Image: Mawangdui silk banner from tomb no1

Description: The painting on silk depicts the heaven (upper part), the human realm (middle part), and the netherworld (bottom part). Heaven: Nüwa--depicted as a human with a serpent's body--is seen at the center. The sun with its crow is seen at the right. There are another eight suns depicted on the right. The hare and toad on the moon is depicted on the left. Chang'e flying towards the moon is depicted on the left. A heavenly gate separating heaven and earth is depicted. Dragons and guardians are depicted. Human realm: Xin Zhui--the deceased occupant of the tomb--is depicted traveling over the road to heaven, while being accompanied by three maids of honor and welcomed by minor officials. Two dragons interlocked by a jade disk are depicted. Xin Zhui's family is seen offering sacrifices and prayers. Netherworld: Depicted here is a giant that stands on the back of whales while holding up earth.
Title: Mawangdui silk banner from tomb no1
Credit: 马王堆汉墓陈列全景数字展厅. Changsha: Hunan Provincial Museum.
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No