Mural Tomb of Prince Wenyu of Yuanyi

Mural Tomb of Prince Wenyu of Yuanyi

The Mural Tomb of Prince Wenyu of Yuanyi is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

The Mural Tomb of Prince Wenyu of Yuanyi is located southeast of Wawusun Village, Yulong Town, Xingyang City. It is a brick-structured tomb. The tomb's occupants were Zhu Chaojun, the eighth-generation descendant of Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, and his wife, Consort Zhang.

In 1953, the tomb was exposed by rainwater erosion, and the Henan Provincial Museum organized its excavation. The tomb chamber is 7 meters below the surface, faces south, and is constructed from blue bricks. The front of the tomb entrance features a wood-like gate tower, with the gate standing 2.18 meters high and 1.30 meters wide. There are two stone doors that can open freely. The tomb chamber is 6.30 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 3 meters high, with a rectangular floor plan and a domed ceiling. There is a theft hole on the northern wall of the chamber. Near the rear wall of the tomb chamber is a stone coffin bed used for placing coffins, with an offering table and coffin bed surrounded by continuous entwined floral patterns. At the center of the rear wall is a painting of Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by protective divine birds, qilin (a mythical creature), and elephants. The eastern and western walls depict portraits of emperors and imperial consorts, their relatives, attendants, as well as pavilions, towers, and various musical instruments. The ceiling of the tomb is painted with celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars. The murals are harmoniously composed with vivid colors, representing the very high standards of Ming Dynasty painting. The tomb murals are rich in content, with the ceiling depicting the sky. The northern wall shows a shrine with a precious hall. The eastern wall depicts a seated Buddha wearing imperial attire, possibly the tomb owner. The western wall has content similar to the eastern wall.

The Mural Tomb of Prince Wenyu of Yuanyi provides valuable material for the study of ancient Chinese clothing systems and sculptural art.

- Travel Tips:

Admission: 10 RMB

Address: Puwawusun Village, Xingyang City, Zhengzhou

Transportation: Take a long-distance tourist bus from Zhengzhou Bus Station to Puwawusun Village

Wawusun Village: Wawusun Village...... More detailed information about Wawusun Village++

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Henan Province