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Ancient tomb silk relics unearthed in Taizhou

(ezhejiang.gov.cn) Updated : 2018-12-17

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A silk jacket was unearthed in an ancient tomb of Southern Song Dynasty in Qianjiao village of Yutou town, Huangyan district, Taizhou, Zhejiang province in 2016 and is now displayed in the China Silk Museum. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

In 2016, Chinese archaeologists unearthed many well-preserved silk fabrics from an 800-year-old tomb near the city of Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province after a month-long excavation. 

The tomb is believed to be burial site for Zhao Boyun, seventh generation descendant of Zhao Kuangyin, founding Emperor of the Song Dynasty (1127-1279). 

A total of 76 pieces of precious relics were found, including silk clothing, pants, socks, shoes, boots and accessories made of satin and brocade, and from embroidery.

The relics are now on display at the renowned China National Silk Museum, the world’s largest silk museum, in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province.

The Southern Song Dynasty is important in Chinese history and also in Zhejiang history. It is in this dynasty when Zhejiang province grew into the "home of silk".

Silk textiles excavated from Zhao Boyun cemetery are considered as important discoveries of silk fabrics and are an embodiment of Zhejiang's title of the "home of silk".

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Toulong Jade, the private collection of Zhao Boyun, was unearthed in an ancient tomb of Southern Song Dynasty in Qianjiao village of Yutou town, Huangyan district, Taizhou, Zhejiang province in 2016. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

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Crystal Pendant, a toy of Zhao Boyun during his lifetime, was unearthed in an ancient tomb of Southern Song Dynasty in Qianjiao village of Yutou town, Huangyan district, Taizhou, Zhejiang province in 2016. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]