Chinese archeologists have recently unearthed a bronze jar filled with an unidentified liquid which experts say could be wine from nearly 2,000 years ago.

The container, which is about 15 centimeters tall and 14 centimeters in diameter at its widest, was found in an ancient tomb in Baotou city, northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The jar was rusted on the surface but remained intact when it was brought to light. It has a handle and three legs and was sealed tightly with a lid on top. Archeologists were able to determine there was liquid was inside because it rattled when they shook it.

Experts say the liquid could be quality wine from over 2,000 years ago. "The lower part of the jar is grayish blue, a sign it had been burnt," said Zhang Haibin, an official with the municipal cultural heritage administration. "It's in line with the Chinese tradition to warm wine and alcohol before drinking it."

A bronze kettle found next to the jar also seemed to support their hypothesis, Zhang said. "The jar must have been put into the kettle, which was put on a stove and filled with water to warm the wine," he said.

Laboratory work was underway to identify the liquid, he added.

Zhang said archeologists have also found many other sacrificial objects in the tomb, including other kitchen utensils made of copper, earthenware jars and pieces of lacquerwork.

A seal made of fine copper seemed to suggest the owner of the tomb was a high-ranking official named Guo Shoucheng, said Zhang. "He must have enjoyed high esteem because only distinguished officials could have their seals made of such fine copper material in those days."

The tomb, one of a cluster of ancient tombs that date back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, is rectangular and has well-built stairs that lead to a wooden outer coffin. It is located in Butaicun village of Jiuyuan district in Baotou city.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2004)