Tang Dynasty tomb of elite woman reveals Silk Road artistic influences. 1,300 years old, 698 CE Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China Tomb of Ma San Niang, wife of Tang Dynasty military officer Dong Shunian
A tomb discovered in Xi'an, China belonging to Ma San Niang, wife of Tang Dynasty military officer Dong Shunian, contains 19 burial artifacts reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of 7th-century Chinese society. Among the finds are a silver jar and stemmed cup decorated with grapevine motifs, which researchers link to western artistic traditions brought through the Silk Road trading network. The tomb dated to approximately 915 CE contains personal accessories, containers, and decorative vessels made from pottery, bronze, iron, stone, gold, and silver. These objects provide new insight into the lifestyle and identity of elite women at the Tang Court during its peak, showing how international trade routes shaped even intimate personal possessions.
Key Facts
- 1,300 years old, 698 CE
- Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- Tomb of Ma San Niang, wife of Tang Dynasty military officer Dong Shunian
- 19 burial artifacts including pottery, bronze, iron, stone, gold, and silver items
- Personal accessories: hair ornaments, containers, decorative vessels
- Silver jar and stemmed cup adorned with grapevine motifs
- Grapevine designs influenced by western artistic traditions
- Western-inspired designs linked to Silk Road trading network
- Intricate engraving and high-quality metalwork
- Blend of domestic and foreign artistic styles
- Reflects cosmopolitan nature of Tang society during 7th century peak
- Provides insight into lifestyle and identity of elite Tang Court women
Source: Latest Archaeology Discoveries in January 2026 by Inside Archaeology