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Stone sculptures are typical decorative patterns in the tombs of Han Dynasty. So far, more than 20 tombs with stone sculptures have been discovered in Xuzhou, among which Maocun and Baiji Tombs are famous. The substantial contents and superb techniques demonstrated in the stone sculptures make them very special.
Baiji Tomb
Baiji Tomb is a tomb with typical stone sculpture. It is located in Baiji village in Jiawang District, and consists of three parts --- the tomb, the cultural relics exhibition building and the stone sculptures gallery. It covers an area of 832 square meters. Unlike other tombs found in Xuzhou area it was constructed on a normal axis. The front, the middle and the back chambers were built on the ground first and then buri ed in the earth.
The most valuable items in the tomb are the sculptures engraved on the chamber walls. The figures are vivid and varied. They are the fruit of exquisite workmanship. From the sculptures, a great deal can be learned about the people's religious beliefs, their philosophy, and the aesthetic standards at that time. The discovery of the tomb also contributes significantly to the study of politics, economy and culture of that society and provides a substantial evidence for the researchers of sculpture and paintings in buildings of that ancient time.
Maocun Tomb
Maocun Tomb is situated in the north of Phoenix hill of Maocun village, about 12 kilometers north of Xuzhou. The great artistic and archaeological value of the tomb is in its intact tomb chambers and elegant engravings. The tomb consists of eight chambers, with 18 huge sculptures in front and middle chambers which described the imaginative fairyland as well as the luxurious life at the time when the tomb master lived. Both the light engraving skills and the lifelike figures represent a fairly high artistic level. |
