A vibrant painting of mythical winged horses has been discovered on a coffin unearthed from a 1,300-year-old tomb in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China, offering a remarkable glimpse into the artistic and cultural exchanges that flourished during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
The discovery was announced on Wednesday by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences as part of its annual list of major archaeological findings. The painted "heavenly horse" was found in a Tang-era tomb at the Badam East cemetery site near the ancient city of Gaochang in Turpan, Xinjiang.
In the M20 tomb, archaeologists uncovered a wooden couch, a painted coffin, and a screen, which is exceptionally rare to find preserved as original objects from the Tang period.
The painted coffin is regarded as the most structurally complex of its kind ever discovered. Its upper section is decorated with elaborate floral and geometric patterns, while the lower portion features twelve arched panels. Inside these panels are vibrant depictions of mythical winged beasts, including horses, lions, and tigers, captured with mouths agape, wings spread wide, which are poised as if they were running through fields of flowers.
Among these twelve auspicious animals are two particularly striking winged horses: one adorned with blue spots, and the other with green drawings. Both are rendered with remarkable artistry and are believed to carry deep symbolic meaning. "It might have been created with inspiration drawn from ancient mural art. The painting was executed in one continuous, seamless stroke. Even under magnification, you can see the lines. There's no wavering, no hesitation, no harsh breaks. They are smooth and fluid, which reflects the painter's exceptional skill. This is likely the first discovery of its kind in the country," said Shang Yuping, lead archaeologist for the project. Experts explain that the set of patterns of beasts reflects a blend of cultural influences brought together through the Silk Road. While traditional Chinese auspicious animals such as the Qilin had long been part of local symbolism, creatures like lions from ancient Egypt, heavenly horses from Eurasian steppe cultures, and elephants from Buddhist traditions were introduced through trade and gradually integrated into China's system of auspicious imagery, especially during the cosmopolitan Tang Dynasty.
The tomb's structure and contents strongly suggest Central Plains cultural influences, indicating close ties between the western regions and the Tang capital during that era.
"This is truly a very significant gift from Chinese archaeology to the nation in this Year of the Horse. Its value and meaning lie in how it presents a complete system of auspicious animals, offering a vivid portrayal of traditional Chinese beliefs in pursuing peace, happiness, and national prosperity and stability. It integrates both indigenous Chinese elements and foreign cultural influences into a new synthesis, making it a highly important example of cultural exchange between China and other civilizations along the Silk Road," said Huo Wei, a professor at the Sichuan University.
Ancient "heavenly horse" painting unearthed in northwest China's Xinjiang sheds light on Tang Dynasty culture
