I would be very interested in getting more information about murals found in the Eastern Han Tomb in central China, in particular about the possible representation of the constellations there.

I am working in the field of archaeoastronomy (palaeoastronomy) and have interpreted murals in French and Spanish caves in relation to astronomical origins.

I would be very pleased if you could provide me with some information or contact addresses.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Michael A. Rappenglück

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Dear Dr. Michael

The murals of the Eastern Han Dynasty you refer to were found in Luoyang City of central China’s Henan Province. Luoyang is a city which acted as the capital of nine ancient dynasties and is therefore worthy to act as an ancient tomb museum.

The museum is located in the village of Zhongtou in Luoyang City. It is the first of its kind in China and has 22 restored tombs dating from the Han Dynasty (206-220 BC) to the northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127). Many colorful murals have been restored and pottery pieces and other extracted relics are also on display.

The following is the museum website: http://www.lytour.gov.cn/jingdian/gmbwg/english/index.htm. This provides not only an introduction to the tombs of the Han, Wei, Jin, Tang and Song dynasties but also pictures of exquisite murals and funereal objects found in these graves.

The enclosed photo is an ancient representation of the configuration of the stars.

We hope this could be of help to you.

Best regards,

The Editor

(China.org.cn April 3, 2003)