Nghe An: Excavating a grave, ancient artifacts discovered.

The artifact as it was first unearthed. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

On the morning of June 2, 2019, residents of Hamlet 4, Tan Son Commune (Do Luong District, Nghe An Province) were digging a grave for Mrs. Nguyen Thi Noi at Con Dung Cemetery in Hamlet 2, Tan Son Commune, when they discovered a corner of a copper pot that had been buried for a long time. The contents of the pot were unknown.

The bowl is decorated with the image of the three friends: pine, bamboo, and plum blossom, symbolizing the three friends in the royal garden of ancient times. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

Upon discovery, Dao Cong Tam, Mrs. Noi's son, instructed everyone to extend the length of the burial pit, but the spot where the copper pot was found was left unexcavated.

Upon receiving the report, the commune's police force deployed personnel to be on duty 24/7 on June 2nd and 3rd, 2019. They also advised the Party Committee and the People's Committee of the commune to promptly report the incident to higher authorities for guidance on how to handle it.

On June 4th, with the consent of Mrs. Noi's family, the People's Committee of the commune, in coordination with the District Police and the Department of Culture and Information, organized the excavation of the site suspected of containing buried artifacts. The unearthed artifacts included 3 ancient bronze pots and 2 ancient bowls.

The largest copper pot from the Nguyen Dynasty has a diameter of 40 cm and a height of 20 cm; the second is 29 cm wide and 15 cm high; the third is 19 cm wide and 7 cm high (this one is still intact).

The inscription on the bottom of the bowl reads: Great Ming Dynasty, Chenghua

Of the two antique bowls, one is 22 cm wide and 9.5 cm high, decorated with images of pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms. The rim is beautifully decorated with intricate details. The base of the bowl bears the inscription: "Dai Minh Thanh Hoa". According to cultural officials and elders, the bowl was produced during the reign of Emperor Ming Xianzong of China, who ruled for 23 years, from 1464 to 1487.

The artifacts after being cleaned of the soil clinging to them. Photo: Ngoc Phuong

The second bowl is 28cm wide and 9cm high. This is a plain white porcelain bowl, also dating from the Ming Dynasty in China. Unfortunately, both bowls are partially broken.

These artifacts are currently being kept by the Tan Son Commune People's Committee.