Study On The Xigou Tomb Of Tang Dynasty In Jiuquan

In 1988, Xigou region in Jiuquan discovered three tombs in Tang dynasty one after another. They are No.1, No.2, and No.3 tomb of Tang dynasty. No.1 is a double-chambered tomb made of bricks in the most prosperous age of Tang dynasty, with high grade, probably it’s the tomb of mishina officers in Jiuquan. No.2, and No.3 are Single-chamber tomb made of bricks, maybe it’s the tomb for superior officers in the period of Guiyi of Zhang’s family. Because the tombs has been stolen, and there is no relevant calendar information about the tombs,so the owner of the tomb can not be determined. The unique and delicate carving brick of these three tombs is amazing.All of the pattern bricks are per picture a brick. The carving bricks of Chinese zodiac are vivid. The images of clever rat, naughty monkey, docile sheep and alert dog were expressed by relief, which is associated of activity and inertia. The knight brick is powerful and lively; express one military and the other civil marching in tandem. The musicians’ brick mainly appeared in No.1 tomb, divided into wind music and string music player who are two men and two women. The picture is very harmonious.These exquisite carving bricks in the three tombs added new content to study the artistic of carving brick in Tang dynasty.Compared the Xigou tomb of Jiuquan in Tang dynasty with the tomb in the same time in Shanxi, it consistent with the Central Plains but has its geographical features.On the burial structure, tombs in this area are small and exquisite, which we can judge from the high specification double- chambered tomb. The tomb in Tang dynasty in Jiuquan is rare finding the patio, aisle and small niches. In Xigou area the coffin was placed in the north wall, while in Shanxi, the coffin was placed in west wall. In the tombs decorations, the mainly decorations in Xigou area is pattern bricks, while the mural bricks in Shanxi. The main content of the brick indicates the important position in the traffic between the western and China. In the burial custom, the tomb in Jiuquan area is not strictly abided by the rule, even assuming. The burial objects unearthed in the tomb were less quantity and low grade. Three tombs discovered in Xigou in Tang dynasty provide precious materials to research the social conditions,culture and art, and burial concept in Hexi area.