File photo shows a vertical view of the ancient tomb in excavation in Nihe Village, Xiushui Township of Yangquan City, north China's Shanxi Province. Archaeologists in north China's Shanxi Province have found an ancient tomb dating back to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) with murals illustrating the contents of prayers for family, according to the provincial institute of archaeology. (Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology/Handout via Xinhua)

Archaeologists in north China's Shanxi Province have found an ancient tomb dating back to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) with murals illustrating the contents of prayers for family, according to the provincial institute of archaeology.

The excavation of the tomb, located in Nihe Village, Xiushui Township of Yangquan City, was launched in March.

Archaeologists discovered that four persons were buried in the tomb, and murals feature on the tomb gate, the main wall, and the arch of the tomb chamber.

The mural paintings feature abundant elements including starry sky, a child riding a crane, a lion playing with a silk ball, and a dog and deer, which signify good fortune and auspiciousness.

"Tomb murals of this dynasty usually show filial piety and feasts, but this tomb is different from those," said Zhang Zhaohui, from the provincial institute of archaeology, adding that the discovery will help enrich the understanding of the folk beliefs of the Jin Dynasty.

Photo taken on March 17, 2021 shows a mural painting with elements of a lion playing with a silk ball at the excavation site of an ancient tomb in Nihe Village, Xiushui Township of Yangquan City, north China's Shanxi Province. Archaeologists in north China's Shanxi Province have found an ancient tomb dating back to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) with murals illustrating the contents of prayers for family, according to the provincial institute of archaeology. (Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology/Handout via Xinhua)