Ancient tomb with detailed fresco unearthed in China

Archaeologists in China's Hunan province said on Monday that they recently discovered an ancient tomb, with a detailed fresco, that could date back over 1,400 years.

Luo Shengqiang, an expert with the city's cultural relic department, said that based on funerary items found in the 14-metre long and two-metre wide tomb, it was believed to have been built in the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 A.D), Xinhua news agency reported.

In clean and smooth lines, the coloured fresco on the tomb wall depicts two maids standing wearing similar long skirts and coats with open collars exposing their shoulders.

"This is the oldest fresco tomb discovered in Hunan. It is rare to see in southern China," said Luo, adding that the fresco could contribute to the study of the country's clothing history.

--IANS

ksk/vt