Posted on 02/25/2009 6:45:23 AM PST by BGHater
A ramp leads to the tomb chambers. Murals decorate both the vault and the brick walls.
Cheng Linquan, director, Institute of archeology, said, The upper part is painted with celestial signs and the lower part is painted with life scenes. We see here is a woman carrying a baby, while leading another child. The lines are simple and earthy, reflecting the art style of that era.
Xi'an was the Han dynasty capital around two thousand years ago. Of the four Han tombs found in Xi'an so far, this one is exceptional for its richly illustrated murals. A striking characteristic is the size of the figures, some of which are larger than life. The tallest ones are the gate guards, at two meters.
Over twenty figures are depicted in a variety of poses and expressions. Astronomical signs indicate people's intimate relationship with sky at that time.
The wooden coffin and most accompanying objects are missing, either stolen or eroded over time. But some relics have been found in the side rooms, including pottery, gold ware and jade ware.
Cheng Linquan, Director, Institute of Aecheology, Xi’an, said, "I'm holding a jade tiger. This is the head and this is the tail. There have been such jade wares among previous finds in Han tombs, but they're rare."
Experts speculate the tomb owner might be from a noble family. But more details need to be further verified. Protection of the tomb is in the process.
ping.
This particular tomb wouldn’t happen to be the tomb of Han Solo would it?
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Thanks BGHater. |
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Dyyyamn! I had no idea the Chinese invented concrete blocks 2,000 years ago!
They also had trailer parks back then.
So I understand.
Campgrounds, too.
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