Archaeologists have discovered mural and lacquer paintings
dating back about 1,500 years in one of 12 ancient tombs unearthed
recently in North China's Shanxi Province.
The paintings and other utensils found in the tomb provide
insight into daily life in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), said
the experts with the Datong Archaeology Institute.
Chinese immortals, warriors and scenes of traveling were
subjects in the mural paintings, including pictures and
inscriptions on some lacquer paintings.
The 12 tombs are located north of Shaling Village in the suburb
of Datong City, Shanxi Province.
The Northern Wei Dynasty, with Datong as its capital, left many
ancient tombs, grottoes and other cultural relics around the city.
The well-known Yungang Grottoes lies 16 kilometers west of the
city.
(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2006)
