Archaeologists have discovered elaborate, traditional clothing from a centuries-old Chinese tomb apparently from the elite of the Ming Dynasty.

Among the artifacts and relics uncovered from the Ming burial chamber were two coffins that revealed accoutrements from a certain Lady Xu, deceased mother of the Wang family, along with her husband.

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These ancient relics include several intricately patterned skirts and silk shoes inside Lady Xu's casket and other remarkably well-preserved garments. On the other hand, the husband's coffin included several gowns with a pillow sheet. The intricate designs of all the garments in the burial chamber were sewn with gold thread.

According to the archaeologists from the Taizhou Municipal Museum, the fabric is woven delicately with floral motifs, including insects and a variety of treasure patterns. They also describe the different patterns located in different types of clothing such as the train of the skirts woven with a full circle pattern using gold thread.

The shoes were capped off with floral embroidery, ancient coins, square knots and chime stones.

Archaeologists believe the sealant used in the tombs helped preserved the clothing. Only a few skeletal remains were recovered from the coffins, however.

The Ming Dynasty era tomb was unearthed in July 2008 and is located in Senson village in Taizhou City along the coast of the East China Sea. Archaeologists assume the tomb dates from 1520 to 1567 based on the relics.

The Ming Dynasty ruled over China from 1368 to 1644 and its rule established China as a powerful global nation focused on cultural restoration and expansion.

The Ming Dynasty's greatest local contribution is an 80-year restoration of the Great Wall that restored the wall's watchtowers, barracks and store houses and refurbished the granite and limestone.

This study was published in the journal, Chinese Cultural Relics.

TagsOpulent Clothing Uncovered from Ming Dynasty Tombs, ming tombs, Ming Dynasty