Sarcophagus, Northern Wei dynasty (386--535 CE)

The tomb of Sung Xiaosu was unearthed in 2000 during construction work at Yanbei Teachers College, now Datong University in northern China. Two inscriptions in the tomb describe Sung as a magistrate and regional inspector who served in the Northern Wei Dynasty court and reveal that he died in the year 477. Sung Xiaosu's sarcophagus is among the largest and most impressive Chinese tomb objects ever found. Made from over a hundred interlocking pieces of carved stone, it is constructed to resemble a wooden ceremonial hall with roof brackets and tiles and incorporating unmistakably Chinese architectural details. At the front of the building, four octagonal columns standing on square plinths support a horizontal beam from which, in turn, four brackets support the extended roof of the veranda. On all the outer walls, circular bosses have been carved. These decorations are often found on the doors of temples and palaces, their number apparently an indicator of status. In addition, the external wall surfaces have been decorated with a monster mask above the door and more than 20 pu shou, monster masks with bulging eyes, bushy eyebrows, and gaping mouths from which hang semicircular rings carved into the sandstone. These masks were once apparently painted. Traces of color remain visible here and there. They were intended to ward off evil spirits and protect the deceased for all eternity. The walls of the sarcophagus were painted on the inside, too. Traces remain of musicians and dancers once meant to entertain the deceased and his wife. A remarkable and unique discovery, this is the first time that Song Xiaosu's sarcophagus has ever left China.