Chinese archaeologists have discovered rare earthenware painted blue from a 1,500-year-old tomb in Luoyang, an ancient city in central China's Henan Province.

The tomb, dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), is located at a site with groups of ancient tombs near the Chongyang Mausoleum of Emperor Sima Zhao of the Western Jin Dynasty (265 - 317).

Over 60 cultural relics including lacquer, jade items, bronze objects and earthenware were excavated from the tomb. Among the relics, the most valuable one was a painted earthen figure in the shape of an ancient maid.

Both the front and back parts of the earthen maid were painted bright blue, a color rarely used in the period. The earthenware of the Northern Wei Dynasty usually had red, white and black paint.

Based on the study of the delicate creation skills of the unearthed earthen figures in the shape of ancient musicians or warriors, the experts indicated that the tomb belongs to a high-ranking official or member of a noble family in the period.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2006)