Yangzhou (Chine): Valuables unearthed from imperial tombs
Li Jingrong / Photos : Xinhua
Source - http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2013-11/21/content_30664816.htm
A large number of rare treasures have been unearthed from the ancient imperial tombs discovered earlier this year in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, conveying the genius of ancient Chinese artisanship and the civilization of the time.
Archaeologists work in the tomb belonged to Yang Guang, or Emperor Yang of Sui, the second and last monarch of the short-lived Sui Dynasty (581-618)
At a press conference jointly organized by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage and the Chinese Society of Archaeology on Nov. 16, archaeologists confirmed that the ancient tombs discovered in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, in April of this year, were the final resting place of Emperor Yang Guang and Empress Xiao of the Sui Dynasty (589-618).
Burial objects in the tomb of Empress Xiao, the wife of Emperor Yang Guang of Sui Dynasty (581-618)
In addition to the two male teeth and female skeletal remains, more than 100 burial objects were excavated. They included rare treasures made of jade, bronze and iron, pottery, lacquer ware as well as wooden objects.
The tomb of Empress Xiao, the wife of Emperor Yang Guang of Sui Dynasty (581-618)
The No. 1 Tomb (or M1) is a square-shaped, brick-built catacomb comprising five parts: the main hall, east and west rooms, a path leading up to the main hall and a corridor leading to the main entrance. The grave is 24.48 meters long, 8.22 meters wide and 2.76 meters high.
Remains and burial objects in the tomb of Empress Xiao, the wife of Emperor Yang Guang of Sui Dynasty (581-618)
Among the treasures retrieved, was a 13-ring gilt jade belt experts described as "the most complete unearthed high-level relic in Chinese archaeological history." In addition, four bronze doorknockers are also considered as eye-catching ancient imperial belongings.
Pottery figurines excavated from the tomb of Yang Guang, or Emperor Yang of Sui, the second and last monarch of the short-lived Sui Dynasty (581-618)