Life, Family and Friends of Zhang Nanyuan: New Discovery of the Epitaph of Zhang Nanyuan (Zhang Chu Shi Mu Zhi Ming) by Qiao Lai

The life and works of Zhang Nanyuan, a famous garden designer who was active in the 17th century, is an important topic in Chinese garden history. The discovery of his epitaph (Zhang Chu Shi Mu Zhi Ming) written by Qiao Lai has brought important new historical evidence for the research. Based on the new information provided by the epitaph and a study of the historical texts using the textual method of history-source and chronology, the paper analyzes this topic from six aspects: the relationship between Qiao Lai and Zhang’s family, the correct character of Zhang’s given name, his ancestral home in Songjiang Huating, his family tradition of garden design, the genealogy of his family, and his relationship with three literati friends. The results contribute to an in-depth understanding of Zhang Nanyuan’s achievements in garden history, update the framework of the research of Zhang Nanyuan, and reveal the family, social and cultural operating mechanisms behind Chinese traditional garden design practices..