Page:Illustrations of China and Its People vol. IV.pdf/63



THE tombs of the Ming Emperors of China stand about thirty miles north of Peking, and in their general design resemble those of Nanking, which I have already described. They are, however, in their dimensions still more imposing than even the tomb of Hung-woo, the first sovereign of the dynasty.

In this valley of tombs, which is backed by a crescent-shaped range of hills, having a radius of from two to three miles, the mausolea of thirteen Ming sovereigns are to be found. The first interred there was Ching-tsoo (better known as Yung-lo), the third monarch of the dynasty, and who succeeded in driving his nephew from the throne.

I have chosen the illustrations for this subject from the tomb of Yung-lo partly on account of its historical interest and partly because it affords the finest example of these funereal monuments to be found in China. They are interesting besides because they show the durability of monumental and sacred architecture among the Chinese. There are in China no architectural remains which can boast of a very remote antiquity; the reason for this has never been clearly explained, some writers attributing it to political convulsions, and others to the constant use of materials less durable than stone. It seems strange therefore that they should have preserved their ancient classical books, written many of them on bamboo. In this perhaps we may see something of the practical common sense of the people. Their sages uttered imperishable truths and imparted wise councils, which have had an important influence in keeping the nation together; hence they perhaps set the less store upon useless stone edifices, which can do nothing except perpetuate an empty fame. Many of their sages and emperors esteeming no honour so great as to have their deeds handed down in living tradition through endless generations. The monument which has the greatest antiquity is the famous wall erected as a barrier against their nomadic foes.

The tomb of Yung-lo is approached first through an avenue of animals, sculptured out of white lime-stone, and then through a double row of stone warriors. The latter present much the same characteristics as those erected in front of the tomb of Yung-lo's father at Nanking, twenty-four years earlier; and art does not appear to have made much progress within that period of time. All the figures wear an expression of tranquil repose, thoroughly in keeping with their duty as the guardians of the dead. As to the animals there are two pairs of each kind, two of which are kneeling and two standing upright. Thus we first meet two pairs of lions; then two pairs of unicorns; these are followed by two pairs of camels, one of which is shown in the foreground. Two pairs of elephants succeed, and beyond these are two pairs of fabulous animals called " keaon," and still further on are the mail-clad warriors.