ZCZC
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CHINA-OLD EPITAPH-FOUND
800-year-old epitaphs found in north China province
SHIJIAZHUANG, Nov 26, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – Epitaphs dating back 838 years
have been found in a local farmer’s home in Linxi County in north China’s
Hebei Province, local authorities said Monday.
The ceramic epitaphs which were engraved in a tombstone with a length of 70
cm, a width of 37 cm, and a thickness of 9.5 cm included a total of 720
characters. The content of the epitaphs recorded the family trees of the
occupant of the tomb whose name was Guo Cong. The epitaphs also detailed some
warfare between the North Song (960-1127) and Jin (1115-1234) while praising
Guo’s loyalty and filial piety.
The farmer said the epitaphs were found in the foundation of one of his
rooms when it was being torn down.
Now, the epitaphs are protected in an exhibition hall in the county.
Portraying the hardships the tomb occupant’s family encountered, the
epitaphs reflect the cruelty of war and the sufferings of the people at that
time, according to Wan Wenli from the provincial epigraphy association.
Wan also pointed out that the ceramic epitaphs, which were rarely seen, can
provide a significant reference for further research on ceramic techniques
from the Jin Dynasty.
BSS/XINHUA/FI/ 1830 hrs