Location: Linyi, Shandong Province

Period: Jin Dynasty  (265-420)

Excavation period: May 2003

A joint team of researchers from the Shandong Provincial Cultural Relics Archeological Research Institute, Cultural Bureau of Linyi, led by Zheng Tongxiu

 Findings

The discovery was literally made right in the backyard of the "Sage of Calligraphy " Wang Xizhi's former residence during the expansion of a nearby park in May 2003. Digging next to the Xiyan pool (where it is believed Wang washed his brushes and ink slabs), workers stumbled upon two ancient brick tombs. 

The tombs, built like houses on the ground above, were the largest and best preserved among tombs of the Han (206BC-AD220) and Jin (265-420) dynasties discovered in Shandong.

More than 250 sets of bronze, porcelain, lacquer, iron, jade and gold artifacts were found in the 8-meter-wide, 5-meter-long No 1 tomb. Among them seven pieces were believed to be cultural relics from the nation's first class, another seven from the second class and 45 more from the third class.

The most famous find was a very detailed bronze artifact depicting a man riding on a lion. The non-Han ethnic male dons an extravagant tall hat and a suit of armor, with deep, large eyes gazing ahead, a distinct nose, and a beard and whiskers. The lion has piercing eyes and a raised head, baring his teeth.

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