A Note on the Tombstone of Master Pu and the Xishan Zazhi

Abstract

The present article is a preliminary report on the debate surrounding the tombstone of Master Pu discovered in Brunei in 1972. Dated to 1264 by Franke and Ch'en (1973), the tombstone of Master Pu has been regarded as evidence of early contacts between China and Brunei, but also as proof of the existence of Muslim connections between the two countries. Pu allegedly died in Brunei while on a diplomatic mission and was consequently buried there. Of specific importance within this narrative has been a text 'discovered' in 1982 in Fujian entitled Xishan zazhi (Miscellaneous record(s) from the western mountain). It reports that Pu arrived in Brunei in 1247, and that the tombstone was commissioned by his sons who also served as envoys to Brunei. I shall describe the as yet unpublished text and discuss its veracity in light of the evidence available.