Archaeologists in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province have discovered a Tang Dynasty tomb containing a collection of rare gold, silver, bronze and ceramic objects. The find sheds light on cultural and trade activity during one of China’s most influential historical periods.
The China-based team made the discovery in Jiali village, located in Xi’an’s Chang’an District, during a large-scale excavation conducted between January 2022 and April 2024.
Cultural exchange reflected in the Tang Dynasty tomb in China
The Tang Dynasty tomb, identified as M228, belonged to Ma Sanniang, the wife of Dong Shunxian, a military officer who served during the dynasty’s rule. Historical records indicate that she was buried in the year 698.
Chinese archaeologists have discovered the burial site of Ma Sanniang, wife of Dong Shunxian, a military officer in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, unearthing a total of 19 items or sets of burial objects, including pottery, bronze, iron,… pic.twitter.com/qlmzweZysu
— China Science (@ChinaScience) January 7, 2026
A total of 19 burial objects or sets were recovered from the site. These included pottery, bronze, iron, stone, and finely crafted gold and silver items. Several of the precious metal pieces showed signs of high-level craftsmanship, including detailed designs and decorative work.
Rare artifacts reveal Tang Dynasty craftsmanship
Shi Sheng, a researcher with the Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology, noted that many of the gold and silver items were personal accessories, such as hair ornaments, or containers used by women. Among the standout pieces were a silver jar and a stemmed cup, both decorated with grapevine patterns influenced by artistic styles from the Western Regions.
Shi added that these artifacts provide valuable evidence of cultural exchange between China’s central plains and western civilizations during the Tang Dynasty. The designs and materials offer key insights into international influences on Chinese craftsmanship at the time.
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