Ancient patterned bricks found in north China

Exquisite examples of decorative bricks have been discovered at an archeological dig in Hebei Province, north China, it was announced Wednesday.

The bricks feature rhomboid patterns; carriages and horses; dragons; and clouds, according to Lei Jianhong, a researcher with the Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Research Institute.

The bricks were found in tombs, dating from around the Eastern Han Dynasty (24-220 AD), in a village in Hebei's Huanghua City. Farmers discovered the tombs in March 2014, and the institute began its excavation on July 28.

There are two tombs positioned next to each other, in an east-west direction, and they have multiple chambers. Unfortunately, the tombs have been pillaged by grave robbers and the west tomb has been left severely damaged, according to archaeologists.

It is believed that most of the decorative bricks have been stolen, however, a few survived and were reasonably well preserved, Lei said.

In addition, more than 20 pieces of pottery have been found, he added.

Although it is assumed that the two tombs contain the remains of relatives, more research needs to be done in this regard, Lei said.