Once, the giant divine Bixi took great strides across the land. Now before us stands the Turtle Stele. It embodies a rich tapestry of Chinese mythology and artistry. For centuries, the Turtle Stele has served as a decorative plinth for commemorative steles. These remarkable monuments stand as testaments to important events and people.
The Turtle Stele features Bixi. Bixi appears as a dragon with a turtle shell. According to legend, Bixi is one of the nine sons of the Dragon King. The tradition of erecting stelae on tortoises began as early as the Han dynasty. The earliest known example dates back to the 3rd century AD at the tomb of Fan Min.
These Turtle Steles flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Emperors used them to commemorate important events. The Hongwu Emperor adopted regulations for tortoise-based funerary tablets. These regulations were for the higher ranks of nobility.
Look closely at the Turtle Stele. Notice the intricate details. See the dragon design. It is a common feature on these steles. These sculptures were traditionally rubbed for good luck. This practice caused conservation issues.
Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty contributed a tortoise. It had a stele praising the founder of the Ming dynasty. The Hongwu Emperor’s mausoleum features a large Bixi. It holds the Shengde stele.
Even foreign dignitaries were honored with a Bixi. Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan of Brunei received one. He died during his visit to China in 1408. The sultan’s grave was discovered south of Nanjing.
Over time, the artistic representation of Bixi evolved. Early depictions resembled real aquatic turtles. By the Qing dynasty, the Bixi became the dragon-headed figure.
The word Bixi means strong. It means capable of supporting great weight. It first appeared in Zhang Heng’s Western Metropolis Rhapsody. The term Bixi became associated with stele-carrying tortoises during the Ming dynasty.
An old legend says that Lu Ban made a stone tortoise. It swam in the ocean every summer. It returned to its seaside hill in the fall. This inspired Lu Ji’s poem. The stone tortoise cherishes in its heart the love of the sea.
Today, the Turtle Stele is a captivating reminder of China’s rich cultural heritage. The tradition extends beyond China. It is found in other parts of East Asia. These monuments embody strength, longevity, and the enduring power of cultural symbols.