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. |