Chinese archaeologists have unearthed well-preserved silk material from a 400-year old tomb in Nanchong City, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The tomb, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is located at the foot of Xileshan Mountain in Shunqing District. It was found during a construction project.

According to the gravestone, one of the two tomb owners was the grandson of Chen Yiqin, a prime minister of the Ming Dynasty.

Besides the silk, many historical relics such as ancient coins and a bronze mirror were excavated from the tomb chamber.

The wooden coffin had rotten, but layers of fine silk clothes draped over human remains were original, delicate and showy, archaeologists said.

Although most of the material has turned charcoal-black, the beautiful pattern and golden silk thread are fresh and vivid under the sunshine, they said.

The discovery will provide valuable clues on the study of development and culture of silk in ancient China.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2006)