Six Dynasties Stone Carvings Speak of Style

Author: Xu Yaohua / Wang Zhigao / Wang Quan (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-08-01
Features: In the summer of 2002, Nanjing, known as the "Furnace," remained sweltering. On one particularly hot day, Mr. Su Shushu, the president of the Cultural Relics Publishing House, braved the intense heat to visit Nanjing and invited me to accompany him on a visit and inspection of the Six Dynasties carvings in Qixi Mountain, Nanjing. I gladly accepted the invitation. Treading on the sun-baked, soft earth, we toured the area. During the visit, Mr. Su showed great interest in the Six Dynasties carvings in Nanjing and highly praised them. Mr. Su believed that the Six Dynasties carvings hold a unique position in the history of Chinese sculpture and are also one of the miracles of world sculptural art. Every carving and the stories associated with them carry significant meaning. It was then that we conceived the idea of publishing a book centered around the carvings and their stories. This book takes the Six Dynasties carvings in Nanjing and the surrounding areas of Danyang as the main thread, focusing on the carvings themselves, uncovering the stories behind them, and narrating each story in accessible language. The articles emphasize a combination of knowledge, readability, and, while respecting historical facts and avoiding the spread of misinformation. During the writing process of this book, the cultural relic expert, Director Wei Zhengjin of the Nanjing Cultural Relics Bureau, showed great concern and provided strong support. With his wisdom, talent, and the rigorous diligence of a scholar, he encouraged and motivated us to complete the writing of this book. Here, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Director Wei Zhengjin!