Dozens of exquisite pieces of painted pottery were discovered in two ancient tombs excavated recently in north China's Shanxi Province.
Located in Lijiacun Village in Yangcheng County, the two Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) tombs were unexpectedly discovered by a villager who was digging to lay foundation for a house.
Glazed with bright colors, many of the pieces feature figures of soldiers and various animals.
According to experts, the potteries have great artistic value. The owners of the tombs have yet to be identified.
(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2002)