6. Silver Pot with Cup-in-Mouth Dancing Horse Design
Age：Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Height:14.3 cm
Unearthed in 1970 from hejiacun, Xi’an
This pot has a decorative design of a horse with a ribbon around its neck and its tail flowing in the air. The horse holds a drinking cup in its mouth -- an allusion to poetry from the period describing the "dancing horses." Dancing horses often performed at court The patterns confirm the historical account that Emperor Taizong trained fine horses that danced to music. It is said that during the performance, they were given wine to drink in cups that they picked up and tilted into their mouths. They used to dance to celebrate Emperor Tangxuanzong’s birthday. The grand scenes of the emperor's birthday celebration party shown on the pot expresses Chinese culture as well as something of an exotic atmosphere.
7. Painting of Watchtowers
Age：Tang Dynasty
Height:280cm; Width:280cm
Unearthed in 1971 from tomb of Prince Yide, Qianxian County, Shaanxi Province
This painting was unearthed in the tomb of Prince Yide which is located on southeast of the Qian Mausoleum. Prince Yide was the eldest of Emperor Tang Zhongtong and grandson of he third Tang emperor, Gaozong and Emperess Wuzetian. He was sentenced to death at the age of 19 for opposing his grandmother’s autocracy.
Found on the east and west walls of the tomb passage, the paintings of watchtowers display the structure of Prince Yide’s graveyard. This is the piece on the west wall. According to traditional Chinese architectural principles, a large watchtower and two small watchtowers were arranged in "Three Watchtowers." Behind them, there are trees and mountains. On the right, the low building that looks like a watchtower is the gate tower of the city.
8. Painting of Palace Maids
Ages：Tang Dynasty
Height:176 cm Width:196.5 cm
Unearthed in 1960 from Princess Yongtai’s Tomb in Qianxian County, Shaanxi Province
Princess Yongtai was the seventh daughter of Emperor Tang Zhongzong and granddaughter of Emperor Tang Gaozong and Emperess Wuzetian. She was forced to kill herself at the age of 17 for opposing her grandmother’s autocracy.
This famous painting is on the southern side of the east wall in the front tomb chamber. There are nine palace maids in the painting. The first one is marching ahead gracefully with arms crossed on stomach. The one following her is turning back and seems to tell the rest what to do. The remaining seven maids carry a tray, a box, a candle, a round fan, a duster, a parcel and Ruyi respectively. All of them have vivid facial expression and are in the position to serve the Princess to sleep. These maids have exposed necks, and seven of them wear long skirts and shawl, while the other two girls wear men’s clothing. The appropriate composition, smooth lines and proper color make this fresco one of the national treasures of China.
