An Introduction to the Art of Inscription Calligraphy on the Burial Buildings of Qing Dynasty in Sichuan

Abstract: The above-ground burial buildings of Ming and Qing Dynasties in  Sichuan in the Qing Dynasty are the special form of traditional Chinese stone  architecture, whose patterns, carved images and stone inscriptions make  themselves a comprehensive art carrier. They are not only an important rural  landscape and family sacrificial place, but also important relics to research  regional history, culture, customs and beliefs. All kinds of characters carved on  burial buildings not only record the changes of the family, but also become rare  folk calligraphy art materials. In addition to the common examples, such as  couplets and plaques (horizontal inscribed boards) which imitate high-level  ceremonial buildings, they also present more diversified patterns, such as  epitaphs, inscriptions, poetry and decorative characters. In the funeral concept  “for the sake of beauty”, they not only comply with the norms of writing, but  also have bold individual expression, presenting rich art forms, thus continuing  the profound Chinese culture of inscription calligraphy. For the community,  especially for the descendants, they not only express their worship and honor  for the ancestors, but also inherit rural culture and attain ethical education.

CAQ 2019 6-3 002