A section of a fresco, found during the excavation of an ancient tomb located at the eastern suburb of this capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, was recently restored to its original appearance.

The fresco was accidentally discovered when archeologists were conducting a check of the tomb, which had been robbed several times and heavily damaged.

Recently, local police investigated the theft of numerous cultural relics from the tomb, built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The case brought the tomb's plight to the attention of archeologists.

The discovery of the colored fresco piece triggered the immediate call for a renovation project. So far, about 100 square meters of fresco have gradually returned to their natural luster after more than a month of restoration.

Now the fresco vividly portrays galloping horses, riders in white robes, beautiful maids in the imperial palace holding incense burners and guards in armor.

The gateway of the tomb is also painted with blue dragons and white tigers looming in the clouds.

Wang Zili, an archeologist in charge of the excavation, said an explosion set off during the tomb theft caused the fresco's paint to flake off.

Archeological departments have confirmed the tomb owners to be senior officials from wealthy and influential clans from the Tang Dynasty.

( November 9, 2001)