Stunning Tang dynasty mural in tomb unearthed in China may portray a 'Westerner' man with blond hair

Archaeologists in northeastern China have recently made a remarkable discovery - an ancient tomb from the Tang dynasty adorned with stunning murals depicting daily life during that era. The Tang dynasty, which reigned over central and eastern China from A.D. 618 to 907, holds significant historical importance. The murals found in this tomb offer a unique glimpse into the daily lives of people during that time.

Excavated in 2018, the tomb is believed to be the final resting place of a 63-year-old man who passed away in 736, along with his wife. The tomb features a single brick chamber, a door, and a corridor, all decorated with scenes capturing Tang dynasty life. Fascinating depictions include men engaged in grain threshing and noodle-making activities, which provide valuable insights into the era's routine tasks.

Among the captivating murals, one in particular stands out – it portrays an individual with European-like features, including blond hair and a beard. Victor Xiong, a renowned history professor at Western Michigan University, speculates that this figure might have been a "Westerner" hailing from the territories of Central Asia. The tomb's epitaph states the exhumed remains are those of the middle-aged man and his wife, shedding light on their presence in this historically-rich region.

The tomb's guardians, portrayed near the entrance, wear distinctive yellow robes and are depicted with swords at their waists. Exquisite landscape scenes, along with depictions of men threshing grain, women grinding flour, and fetching water from wells, contribute to setting the scene of daily life. Notably, these vivid depictions follow the popular artistic style known as "figure under a tree," native to the Shanxi region at that time.

Interestingly, many of the depicted individuals bear resemblance to each other, leading archaeologists to believe that the man and woman buried in the tomb may be the very ones featured in the murals. Among the scenes, the woman is seen leading a group of four horses, accompanied by a bearded man holding a whip. Additionally, a series of paintings encircling the coffin seemingly depict the tomb owner at various stages of his life.

Remarkably preserved, the murals within the tomb showcase a beloved artistic theme of figures under trees, deeply rooted in the artistic traditions of the preceding Han dynasty. Echoes of similar murals have been found in various regions across China, including Xinjiang, Shandong, Shaanxi, and Gansu.

Of great interest is the portrayal of a blond, non-Han man leading camels. Known for their unique clothing style and distinct facial features, this figure is likely identified as a "Westerner," possibly a Sogdian from Central Asia. The Sogdians were recognized as a prominent trading community residing along the Silk Road between Asia and Europe, primarily in present-day Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

These extraordinary murals not only provide a fascinating glimpse into daily chores and labor during the Tang dynasty but also significantly contribute to our understanding of the lives and interactions of different cultural groups during this period. The discovery of this tomb and its beautifully preserved murals is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient China.