As modern society progresses, skyscrapers are sprouting up like mushrooms in Xi’an, China. Alongside this growth, mysteries are gradually being uncovered as construction projects begin to delve underground.
In 1957, a group of workers at a construction site discovered an ancient tomb beneath the ground.
During the excavation, experts did not initially find the coffin of the tomb’s owner. Later, it was revealed that the coffin was located on a road adjacent to the tomb. Upon studying the burial artifacts within the tomb, experts recognized the significance of this site.
After clearing away the dirt, the coffin revealed intricate carvings. The first thing that caught the eye of those present when the lid was opened was a piece of silk fabric measuring about 1 meter long and 0.3 meters wide. Beneath the fabric lay the scattered bones of the deceased, along with a large number of burial goods.
Upon discovery, archaeologists quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation, identifying it as a rare ancient tomb belonging to the royal family of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, during the Sui Dynasty (581–619).
Location of the ancient tomb.
According to information from archaeologists, the tomb belonged to the granddaughter of Empress Yang Lihua – Li Zhinxuan. At the time of her death, she was only 9 years old. Historical records indicate that due to the shock of her granddaughter’s death, Empress Yang Lihua ordered Li Zhinxuan to be buried in a coffin larger than that of Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty.
Tomb of Li Zhinxuan intricately crafted by her grandmother.
The coffin, also known as the sarcophagus, was crafted from stone to preserve the body of Li Zhinxuan. The empress commissioned a renowned artisan of the time to create it with exquisite skill, reflecting a palace style. The arched roof of the coffin is also meticulously carved. When archaeologists discovered it, they stated that the value of this coffin was beyond estimation.
Necklace found in the coffin preserved at the national museum.
Within the coffin, archaeologists also uncovered a substantial number of other valuable artifacts. Given that the owner was a mere 9-year-old girl, most of these items were intricately designed jewelry, particularly a necklace crafted from precious gemstones. Additionally, a multitude of valuable gems was found in this coffin, leaving the archaeologists stunned due to their immeasurable worth. Currently, this valuable necklace is being preserved in the National Museum of China.
Oval glass bottle that shocked archaeologists with its value.
Additionally, a treasure found in the tomb was an oval glass bottle that astonished archaeologists due to the unparalleled glass-blowing technology of ancient times.
Another special artifact was a white jade bowl inlaid with gold trim. The bowl measures 4.1 cm in height, 5.6 cm in diameter, and has a base diameter of 2.9 cm. Experts believe that this bowl was crafted from Hetian jade, one of the precious jades in China.
White jade bowl inlaid with gold trim found in the tomb over 1,400 years old.
The white jade bowl is intricately carved, smooth all over, and has gold inlay around the rim. As such, despite lacking elaborate decorations, this precious bowl still appears remarkably appealing. Furthermore, the high-quality jade, with its soft glow and elegant shape, gives the ancient bowl an air of nobility and grace.
From this gold-inlaid white jade bowl, it is evident that the Sui Dynasty had highly refined jade crafting techniques. This bowl, over 1,400 years old, has become one of the representative jade artifacts of the Sui Dynasty.
This precious jade bowl is extremely valuable.
According to experts, the Han Dynasty was the golden age of jade production in China. However, after the fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty, during the Wei, Jin, and Tang Dynasties, the development of jade products entered a period of decline. Archaeologists have found very few jade artifacts from these periods.
In contrast, numerous gold and silver jewelry items have been discovered. Archaeologists note that although few jade items were found, it is evident that the production of jade objects after the Han Dynasty shifted from burial goods to items for everyday use.
The precious white jade bowl clearly transcended the production techniques of the Han Dynasty and evolved into a practical everyday item. According to expert assessments, during the Northern Zhou and Sui Dynasties, objects inlaid with gold like this were extremely rare. The gold inlay significantly enhanced the value of the jade bowl, making the color contrast sharper and enriching the visual experience for everyone.
The gold-inlaid white jade bowl was crafted with the implication of “gold and jade fill the home”, symbolizing “wealth and prosperity.” This serves as a symbol of abundant wealth, while also conveying good wishes to its owner for a life of abundance and sufficiency.
Although small, the bowl is immensely valuable both materially and spiritually. This also reflects the affection that Empress Yang Lihua had for her beloved granddaughter.
However, amidst all this, a chilling discovery was made on the lid of the coffin, inscribed with the four characters “kai zha zi si”, meaning that anyone who opens it will die, adding an aura of mystery to this ancient tomb. Many archaeologists believe that this is why the tomb has remained untouched for over 1,400 years, simply due to the four characters carved on the coffin lid.
The four characters “kai zha zi si” carved on the coffin lid that send chills down many spines.
On Zhihu, many users have commented on these mysterious four characters. Some consider this to be a terrifying curse for would-be tomb robbers. Meanwhile, others believe that when Li Zhinxuan passed away, the person who suffered the most was her grandmother, Yang Lihua. Many theories suggest that the empress intentionally carved these four characters to protect her beloved granddaughter even in death.
