Wang
Jian was the head of Shu before the Five Dynasties
(907-960). His tomb at Dongqiao in the western
suburbs of Chengdu was called Mausoleum of Eternity
(Yongling) in history. Formed by a series of 14
double stone vaults, the coffin chamber, 23.4 metres
long consists of front, middle and back rooms. The
coffin platform is flanked by open carvings of 12
men of unusual strength and carved with a relief of
24 musicians and dancers on the east, west and south
sides. The stone sculpture of Wang Jian, sitting in
a relaxed manner but still with a dignified look of
an emperor, is kept in the back room. |