Rubbings of the Wu Liang Shrine, Shandong Province

Engraved in the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220)
Ink rubbing, late Qing dynasty
Han-dynasty tombs and family shrines were often decorated with carvings that told stories of honorable historical figures, such as ancient emperors, filial sons, loyal court officials, martyrs and virtuous women. These images served as lessons of virtue and morality to the descendants of the family. The Wu Family Shrines from the Eastern Han dynasty in Shandong province is a large complex. Stone chambers are located at the front and on the left and right of the shrine for the eleven members spanning four generations of the Wu family. It is also a rich artistic rove featuring wall paintings, calligraphy engravings and stone inscriptions.