As remnants of tomb pathways in the Southern Dynasties period (420–589 AD), stone carvings from the Six Dynasties (222–589 AD) in Jiangsu Province, are predominantly found in the areas of Nanjing and Zhenjiang Cities. These regions align closely with the Jiangsu section of the Grand Canal, where it intersects with the Yangtze River. The construction of the canal facilitated cultural exchanges between the north and south during the Six Dynasties. In terms of style, these stone carvings inherit the robust vigor of the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) and herald the refined elegance of the Tang (618–906 AD) and Song (960–1279 AD) Dynasties, standing as tangible evidence of cultural fusion along the canal. Additionally, the canal’s role as a route for grain transport facilitated the movement of stone materials necessary for these carvings, and the carvings themselves have become significant historical markers along the canal’s cultural corridor.

This exhibition draws inspiration from the replica stone carvings at tomb entrances displayed against the sedimentary profile of the Bianhe River in Gallery 1, with a focus on the stone carvings from the Six Dynasties in Jiangsu. Based on field research and historical document review, the exhibition is divided into four sections: “Stone Carvings: Witnesses to the Rise and Fall of Dynasties”, “Artistic Craftsmanship: Legends of Water-Taming Beasts”, “Glimpses of Treasures: Surviving Stone Carvings”, and “Technological Guardianship: A Dialogue Between Past and Present”. These sections explore the history of Six Dynasties stone carvings in Jiangsu, the evolution of the stone carvings along tomb pathways, and their current state of preservation. The exhibition also presents research findings related to these stone carvings. It aims to reveal the stories behind these ancient artifacts through the lenses of historical context and cultural preservation.