A RARE DARK LIMESTONE EPITAPH AND COVER
Northern Wei dynasty, first year of Putai, corresponding to 531
The upper stone beveled and carved with six large characters in standard script reading Zhangsun Gong zhi Muzhi, 'Epitaph of the Venerable Duke Zhangsun,' the lower stone divided by a very finely incised gold line into a grid of twenty five squares across and down, with inscribed characters describing the principal life events and accomplishments Zhangsun Kang, the lower stone indicates a date of the first year of Putai in the Great Wei (corresponding to the 531 CE); together with a framed modern rubbing of the epitaph.
3 x 22 x 22in (7.6 x 55.9 x 55.9cm); the rubbing frame approx. 28in (71cm) square
Footnotes:
北魏 普泰元年 黑灰岩刻長孫康墓誌銘及拓片

In the epitaph, Zhangsun Kang, stylename Anle, is mentioned as a native of Luoyang, Henan province, and the grandson of the late 'Zhuguo Dajiangjun', Taiwei (Grand Commandant), and Beiping Xuanhuiwang (Prince Xuanhui [posthumous title] of the Pacification of the North) of the Wei State. This probably refers to Zhangsun Song (358-437), one of the founding ministers of Northern Wei (386-535).

Epitaph of this type has been collected not only for its historic documentation, but also for the period calligraphy cherished by scholar-calligraphers. The antiquarianism movements led by Emperor Huizong (r. 1100-1126) and Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735-1796) had profound impact on China's visual culture, encouraging the studies of ancient texts and art forms as a way of connecting with China's rich cultural heritage.

See the black limestone epitaph tablet and cover of slightly larger size, for Prince Yuanmi of the Northern Wei dynasty and dated by inscription to 524, illustrated by R. D. Jacobsen, The Asian Galleries, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 1982, pp.38-39.

See also two large stone 'Epitaph' plaques sold at Bonhams, London, 11 Sep 2014, lot 336, dated by inscription to the early Tang period, 685.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ¤
¤ Without reserve