A groundbreaking discovery was recently made in Kaifeng, a city situated in Central China’s Henan Province, where a total of 22 ancient tombs were unearthed. These tombs, impressively spanning 1,600 years of history, encompass periods from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) through the Ming (1368-1644) to the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Notably, over half of these tombs—12 in total—belong to the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
Local archaeologists were particularly captivated by the Song Dynasty tombs, renowned for their “diverse forms and styles,” as per archaeologist Xue Feng’s insights shared with the Global Times. These tombs showcase unique stone and brick constructions whose designs emulate the aesthetic of real wood—a technique characteristic of the Song Dynasty.
In several of the 12 Song tombs discovered at the site, ‘pseudo-wooden’ bricks were used to fashion the burial chamber doors, further reinforcing the period’s proclivity for replicating wooden aesthetics. These tombs were not only architectural feats but also contained intriguing artifacts. According to Chang Hongjie, the head of the project and an archaeologist from the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, several tombs housed ancient furniture, such as a table accompanied by two chairs.
The detailed objects placed on the table, including cups, plates, and wine kettles, offer fascinating glimpses into everyday life during the Song Dynasty. Even an ancient clothing iron was found attached to a tomb wall, adding to the array of domestic artifacts retrieved from the site.
The Song Dynasty tombs were further embellished with vibrant, well-preserved mural paintings depicting flowers, birds, beasts, and human figures. Xue Feng underscored the cultural significance of these decorations, explaining that they shed light on the aesthetic tastes of ancient society and underscore the pivotal role of burial traditions in ancient China.
Another prominent member of the project, Fan Wenquan, emphasized the importance of site selection in constructing tombs during ancient times. While several Song tombs have previously been discovered in Henan Province, what sets these newly uncovered tombs apart is their apparent familial connection. These 12 tombs seem to belong to a single family, a detail that offers intriguing social insights into the burial customs of the time.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the discovery, Xue Feng asserted that these findings would greatly enhance our understanding of ancient burial culture and the history of ancient architecture and design. This spectacular discovery in Henan Province underscores the rich tapestry of China’s past, which continues to offer intriguing insights into the country’s historical legacy.
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