Tang-Era Tomb Murals Show Everyday 8th Century Life in Northern China
Archaeologists in northern China have unveiled a small brick tomb adorned with stunning and well-preserved murals dating back to the 8th century. These remarkable findings, announced by the Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology in early June, offer a vivid glimpse into daily life during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). The tomb, located in Shanxi province, was discovered in 2018 and is believed to belong to a man who passed away in 736 AD at the age of 63.
A Distinct Artistic Style
According to a SCMP report, the murals, which cover every side of the tomb except for the floor, are set against a white background and depict various scenes of daily life during the Tang dynasty.
This artwork, styled with strong outlines, simple shading, and a predominantly two-dimensional appearance, is characteristic of Tang-era pieces. The murals belong to the artistic style known as "figure under the tree," which was popular in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi province, during this period. As the name suggests, this style depicts individuals engaging in various activities beneath beautifully rendered trees.
The murals are on all sides of the tomb, excluding the floor, and showcase scenes of daily life during the Tang dynasty (618-907), highlighting the cultural richness of that era. (Xinhua)
Everyday Life in Tang Dynasty
Significantly, the murals do not illustrate major historical events or important figures. Instead, they portray ordinary people performing everyday tasks. One scene shows individuals grinding grain, making dough, and fetching water from a well.
Another scene features a woman in a colorful gown leading four horses while a man, believed to be of non-Han ethnicity, holds a whip. The repeated depiction of the same two individuals throughout the murals suggests that they were likely the tomb's occupants.
The figures depicted throughout the mural look like the same two people, prompting archaeologists to speculate that they were the owners of the tomb. (Xinhua)
The Tomb's Structure and Artistic Connections
The tomb's artistic richness extends beyond the murals. Other parts of the tomb, such as the gates, the corridor, and the tomb pedestal, are also decorated. The gates are flanked by guardian figures, adding to the tomb's symbolic and protective elements.
Long Zhen, director of the Jinyang Ancient City Archaeological Institute, noted the similarity between these murals and those found in the tomb of Wang Shenzi. Wang Shenzi founded the dynastic state of Min (909-945 AD), a region from the Ten Kingdoms period (907-960 AD). Long hypothesizes that the same artist might have painted both Wang’s tomb and the newly discovered murals.
One of the panels has various smaller scenes showing the various domestic tasks. (Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology)
Context and Historical Significance
The tomb was located on a mountainside west of Taiyuan, an important Tang-era burial ground. This discovery adds to the rich tapestry of mural art in Chinese history. While these murals are not unique, they contribute to a broader understanding of Tang dynasty art and culture.
Among the most famous ancient murals are those found in the Mogao Grottoes near Dunhuang in Gansu province. Dunhuang, a crucial Silk Road hub, is renowned for its extensive and beautifully preserved Buddhist murals, which span a length of 15.5 miles (25 km) if lined side by side. These murals, primarily depicting Buddhist stories, were initiated by a monk named Lezun and have become an iconic part of Chinese cultural heritage.
Implications of the Discovery
The newly discovered murals in Shanxi province offer invaluable insights into the daily lives of Tang dynasty citizens. They highlight the era's cultural richness and artistic sophistication. The scenes of everyday life depicted in the tomb provide a unique perspective on the social and economic activities of the time, illustrating the interactions and routines of people who lived over a millennium ago.
This discovery also underscores the importance of continued archaeological research in uncovering and preserving historical artifacts. Each find contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of ancient civilizations and their contributions to human history. The Shanxi tomb murals, with their vivid depictions of 8th-century life, enrich our knowledge of the Tang dynasty and its enduring legacy in Chinese art and culture.
Top image: Composite of murals at Tang dynasty tomb, Taiyuan Shanxi Province, China. Source: SCMP
By Gary Manners
