An unlikely story developed in Chengdu, Sichuan province recently when a man surnamed Xu who was on his way home, momentarily stopped by the roadside to answer the call of nature.

As he took a good grip of himself, the soil softened up to his steady stream, revealing the top part of what seemed like a porcelain figurine.

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Using two sticks, Xu further unearthed the figurine and took it home, later delivering it to local cultural authorities to be assessed.

The culture experts identified the figurine as an ancient piece of porcelain that dates back to 960-1279, or the Song Dynasty era.

A Cultural Relic Management employee in Pixian county expounded on the figurine saying that statuettes such as this one were commonly used in the Song funeral rites.

These figurines were buried near tombs to ward off evil, the employee explained, adding that they usually came as a pair, one male and one female.  Xu's precious find was that of a female.

The local museum in Chengdu already boasts of two similar figurines, both of which are on display.

There is no indication, however, if the statuette which Xu uncovered will also be showcased or will be sent elsewhere.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the condition of the figurine.