Murals discovered in ancient tomb

Part of a mural found in a tomb in Zhangzi county, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Archaeologists have found murals dating back more than 900 years in a tomb in Zhangzi county, Shanxi province.

The tomb in North China is from the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234).

The colorful murals are largely painted on a white background. The upper parts feature acts of filial piety, said Zhang Guanghui, a research fellow at Shanxi Archaeological Research Institute.

Beneath, the murals depict people working and cooking. Flanking the gate of the tomb, there are images of herdsmen and cattle.

The pictures are adorned with floral, animal and cloud motifs, Zhang said.

"We have seen several tombs with murals from the Jin Dynasty, but such well-preserved ones are a rarity," he said.

The tomb was found in April last year and reported as having being robbed. Artifacts and the bodies are missing, making it difficult for Zhang and his team to identify the original occupants.

"Judging from the murals, however, we can deduce that the owners may have been aristocrats. They were certainly rich," he added.

The tomb is now under the protection of the Shanxi Museum.