Lack of money is allowing 19 ancient frescos dating back to the Song Dynasty (420-479 AD) to crumble and decay, reports the Xi'an Evening News.

Located in an ancient temple in Baishui County, Shaanxi Province, the frescos by a renowned artist from the period are national treasures. But a shortage of cash in the maintenance budget is threatening their very survival.

One of the beautiful works featuring a hundred birds has already lost its lower portion.

County officials responsible for preserving the relics say the maintenance is too expensive for them to afford, and are calling for outside financial support to save the works from disappearing altogether.

(China Daily October 13, 2004)