碑铭 are a major source for Chinese epigraphy (
金石学 jīnshíxué). Famous examples include
颜真卿 (Yán Zhēnqīng)'s Tang-dynasty memorial stelae, prized as much for calligraphy as for content. Distinguish:
碑文 (bēiwén) = the prose body of the text;
碑铭 = the formal commemorative inscription, often ending with a rhymed verse.
