Stone Gate Thirteen Inscriptions Showroom exhibits thirteen inscriptions on precipices from past dynasties. Stone Gate, or Stone Gate tunnel, stands at the east end of Baoxie plank road, marking the mouth of the thin path at the edge of the cliff. Since ancient times, officials, merchants and intellectuals have been amazed by this manmade wonder and inscribed poems and couplets inside and outside the tunnel to praise the beauty of the site, giving Plank Road a touch of history and heritage. According to statistics, there are 104 types of inscriptions ranging from the Wei Dynasty down to the Qing Dynasty. Among these 104 engravings, the most striking are known as the Thirteen Inscriptions. In the 1970s, these inscriptions were chiseled out and moved to the museum for permanent exhibition. Among the thirteen inscriptions, eight are of Han origin, three are of Song, and the other two are of Wei. The Thirteen Inscriptions, veritable calligraphic treasures, are significant in that they aid historians in learning about the ancient conditions of Plank Road. These calligraphic works exhibit the alteration and progress of traditional Chinese art over the years. When introduced to Japan in 1880, these calligraphic works were received with warm welcome and high appreciation.
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