The Discovery of the Painting on Silk

  In the evening of April 25, 1972, while still overexcited at the excavation of the Coffin with Painted Design on Black Lacquer Coating and Coffin with Painted Design on Vermilion Lacquer Coating, the excavators discovered on the lid of the coffin of the fourth layer a T-shaped painting on silk in brilliant colors and with rich contents. The expert from Beijing Mr. Wang repeatedly said this painting on silk was priceless – worth several cities. This painting on silk of over two thousand years ago had lost its malleability, therefore it could neither be rolled up nor folded. Furthermore, it was huge and was very hard to be peeled off safe and sound. Everybody was at a loss as to what to do. Finally, experts decided, after some discussion, to cover it up again with the vermilion coffin lid of the outer layer and to wait for the following day before peeling it off.