Facsimile and models of precious but fragile ancient fresco will soon be displayed at a museum later this month in Liaoyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Modern technological methods of illustration and restoration have been applied to show a resurgence of the ancient frescos, which, carved on slate, is kept in a hermetic environment to prevent rapid decay if exposed.

Archaeologists date the frescos back to the period of Three Kingdoms (220-280) when most part of the country was engaged in sequential wars between several powers.

However, the area around Liaoyang was under rein of another ruler, who kept out of the disputes and wars. The region also gained about 50 years of peace when the social economics and culture developed rapidly, as explained by archaeologists.

Experts believe the fresco faithfully reflects the original life in almost every aspect and largely enriches the art history of northeast China.

Experts so far have unearthed about 20 tombs with high archaeological value at environment of Liaoyang, evoking earnest concern of many famous scholars both at home and abroad.

(Eastday.com.cn 04/18/2001)