Ancient 'mini library' unearthed

Liu Zhao, head of the center and organizer of the amendment and an editor of the collection, pointed out that the Mawangdui Han Tombs represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century in China and the world.

"The thousands of artifacts excavated from Mawangdui depict a vivid, dimensional and stunning picture of the colorful Han Dynasty's social life. The bamboo and silk manuscripts discovered from the tombs are like a mini library, opening the door to learn more about the thoughts of the dynasty," says Liu.

According to a recent announcement from Hunan Museum, the Mawangdui Han Tombs were initially excavated between 1972 and 1974 and have produced 26,937 artifacts after decades of excavations.

The unearthed artifacts include the remains of Lady Xin Zhui, wife to an aristocrat and also called by some scholars as Lady Bi. Also unearthed were lacquerware, textiles and bamboo and silk manuscripts. The lacquerware unearthed from Mawangdui totals 1,017 pieces, 869 of which are intact. The textiles unearthed — mainly silk and hemp — total 24,490 pieces, including 212 intact pieces. The bamboo and silk manuscripts total 1,430 items, including silk books and paintings, wooden tablets and bamboo slips.