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Subject:Chinese parinirvana votive stele
Posted By: Kenneth Shapiro Sat, Apr 03, 2010 IP: 24.234.241.196

This is my "study" piece: It's made of stone, maybe steatite; 8.75" x 11.50"; and has a lengthy inscription in chinese on the reverse. The reign year inscribed on back, "Wu-Kao" is not known in Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese history.It may be a special Buddhist dating of which I am unaware. The inscription says the carver/donor is from Zhangnan.I have never encountered anything like this. If anyone has any information to add I would sure like to hear it.





Subject:Chinese parinirvana votive stele
Posted By: peterp Wed, Apr 07, 2010

Hello,
"Wu-Kao" is not a reign name, it means "martial examinations". I can read only part of it, but it seems to be a dedication by someone made on the event of partaking the court's martial examinations with success...

Subject:Chinese parinirvana votive stele
Posted By: Kenneth Shapiro Wed, Apr 07, 2010

Yes, you are quite astute! Many experts in the field did not pick up on the fact that "Wu-kao" may not be a reign year. I have had a few translators take a stab at this and your note confirms what I feel is the best interpretation to date: "After three years of working on Official Wushu Exam, on February 2nd, Jin Guo Jun who is from Jin Lin Village, Zhang Nan has become a presented scholar. I've built and engraved this seal to congratulate him as becoming a nobleman. Best wishes on his official way as forever lofty as Song Mt. and his true will on longevity. Sincerely presented by Ji Kuan, a monk." Thank You!


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