Beijing, Aug 23 (IANS): Archaeologists said Saturday they have discovered a tomb with well preserved wall paintings, dating back more than 1,200 years, in northwest China's Shaanxi province.
The Tang dynasty (618-907) tomb of a high ranking official and his wife in Chang'an district, Xi'an City, is 11 metres deep and about 40 metres long, said Zhao Rong, head of Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Administration. The grave had been raided by robbers.
The murals in the chamber show great skill, Xinhua reported citing the official.
Excavation began in February this year and cleaning work is still under way along with measures to protect the artwork, said Zhao.
Xi'an, historically known as Chang'an, was the Chinese capital during the rule of several dynasties, including the Tang dynasty.