An epitaph (myoji) chronicling the life and achievements of the deceased was written on tablets made of stone or ceramic and placed inside the grave. The tablets varied in number, depending on the importance of the person eulogized. These rectangular epitaph tablets from a set of thirty-four commemorate the life of O Myông-hang (1673–1728), an exemplary scholar-official and accomplished calligrapher who served under several kings of the Chosôn dynasty and eventually attained the position of state councilor, the highest ranking government office. Each plaque, except for the first and last, is inscribed with six vertical lines of text in standard (haesô) script.

An important historical document, this set of epitaph tablets provides insight into the political system and mortuary practices of the Neo-Confucian society of eighteenth-century Korea. These tablets also offer valuable information on porcelain manufacture and the art of calligraphy.

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