Stone Statues of Ming Tombs are composed of 24 stone animals followed
by 12 stone human figures along the Sacred Path. The Stone Statues are
also called Shixiangsheng in Chinese. They serve as ceremonial
guards. This custom began in the Qin Dynasty (221-206) and the Han Dynasty
(206BC-220AD).
The procession
of the Stone Statues starts with four lions, four xiezhi
(mythical beasts), four elephants, four camels,
four qilin (mythical beasts) and four horse.
In each group, one pair is standing while the othe
Each one
of the Stone Statues is carved out of a single piece of stone and the
biggest one occupies a space of up to 30 cubic meters, including the
pedestal. They represent the best sculptural craftsmanship of the Ming
Dynasty.
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