How is a docile rabbit associated with a mighty and domineering dragon? The only above-ground imperial tomb found on the mainland so far, the tomb of Wang Jianjian, the founding emperor of Shu, has unearthed such a majestic "rabbit". This is a treasure with a rabbit's head and dragon body, which is a funeral product for Wang Jian, which means "jade rabbit becomes a real dragon".
The rabbit-headed dragon body treasure
This artifact is in the collection of the Sichuan Museum. According to Yin Hong, deputy research librarian of the Sichuan Museum, "Tan Bao" is modeled after the seal used by the deceased during his lifetime, that is, the number is engraved on the prefabricated seal and buried in the tomb to indicate the title he received after death. Excavated under the auspices of the famous anthropologist and archaeologist Feng Hanji, this rabbit-headed dragon body treasure was unearthed in 1942 in the tomb of Wang Jian in the western suburbs of Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
The rabbit-headed dragon body treasure unearthed from Wang Jian's tomb
According to the "Excavation Report of the Tomb of the King of Former Shu" written by Mr. Feng Hanji, the texture of the rabbit-headed dragon body treasure is pure and warm white jade, but the surface has been completely weathered. The body of the rabbit-headed dragon is carved with a carved armor, the body and abdomen are engraved with gold, the mouth and abdomen are painted with zhu, the tail is rolled on the right side, and the four sacred beasts of green dragon, white tiger, vermilion bird and xuanwu are imprinted on the side. The printing surface is inscribed: "Gaozu Shenwu Shengwen Xiaode Minghui Emperor Tan Bao" 14 characters, the font is smooth and even, and the seal engravings are all gold when excavated.
Rabbit-headed dragon body treasure print
The seal of the ancient emperor has always used the dragon as a button, symbolizing the supreme imperial power. This rabbit-headed dragon body treasure is unique in the country. The reason why it is so special is inseparable from Wang Jian's experience before his death. He himself belonged to the rabbit, a native of Wuyang, Xuzhou (now Wuyang, Henan), from a humble background, joined the army as a young man, and after decades of southern conquests and northern wars, he finally ascended the throne and became emperor at the age of 60, and that year also happened to be the year of the rabbit. It is recorded in the Song Dynasty notebook novel that before Wang Jian became emperor, he sent people to spread the ballad of "rabbit on the golden bed" among the people, giving himself the color of "divine mandate of heaven" for his later title as emperor.
Wang Jian reigned for twelve years, and the temple number was Gaozu, nicknamed Shenwu Shengwen Xiaode Minghui Emperor, and was buried in Yongling. During his reign, Ren Xian used his energy, reduced taxes, the people recuperated, and the social and economic development of Shu land.
Shortly after the artifact was unearthed, it was on public display for four days on New Year's Day 1943. In the 80s of the 20th century, he went abroad to exhibit. In 2017, he returned to Chengdu Yongling Museum for exhibition, which can be called "National Treasure Provincial Pro".
It is understood that this year is the Year of the Rabbit, and at the Spring Festival Cultural Relics Exhibition held by the Sichuan Museum during the Spring Festival, the public will see the "true face" of this rabbit-headed dragon body treasure again.
Source: Xinhuanet