China's Shaanxi completes restoration of centuries-old tomb

XI'AN -- Researchers in Northwest China's Shaanxi province completed the restoration of an ancient tomb with rare brick carvings and murals dating back to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), local authorities said.

The tomb was discovered at the construction site of an expressway in Yan'an city, Shaanxi, in 2010. With cracks on the walls and murals fading, the tomb was later moved to the Shaanxi Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage for protection and restoration.

The walls of the tomb chamber were decorated with exquisite brick carvings and murals featuring traditional dancing, animals and flowers. In addition, several famous poems were also inscribed on the walls.

Researchers have strengthened the overall structure of the tomb. Defects in the murals, such as blemishes, hollows and fissures, have been fixed, said Ma Linyan from the institute.

Ma said the restoration project displayed the original style and features of the tomb, shedding light on future research on the history, culture, and funeral customs of the northern Shaanxi area in the Jin Dynasty.