In an astonishing turn of events, the mundane chore of cleaning canals in a rural Chinese village led to the unearthing of a treasure trove that has left experts stunned and rewritten a slice of ancient history. The discovery, made by three brothers in Mahu Village, Xuyi Township, Xuyi County, Huai’an City, Jiangsu Province, has unearthed a tale of intrigue, valor, and cultural significance.
The incident, which occurred on February 10, 1982, during routine canal cleaning, saw Wan Yiquan, aided by his brothers Wan Yicai and Wan Yinian, stumble upon an unknown object buried in the soil. The object, initially thought to be an ordinary vase, soon revealed its extraordinary nature as it bore the weight of 40 pounds of pure gold.
The decision to unearth the contents of the vase was a fortuitous one. Despite its ornamental value, the brothers decided to open the vase, revealing its glittering contents. The discovery of such a large quantity of gold would have been a windfall for any family, yet the brothers chose honesty over personal gain.
Instead of succumbing to temptation, Wan Yicai, the eldest brother, reported the find to the township government, thereby averting any potential trouble that might have ensued had the gold been stolen. Subsequent expert examinations revealed the true nature of the vase, catapulting the discovery into the realms of national significance.
What the brothers had unearthed was no ordinary vessel. The vase, intricately crafted and marked with ancient Chinese inscriptions, was identified as a national treasure looted from the State of Yan during the Warring States period. Named “Chen Zhang’s Round Pot” after further research, it was deemed a masterpiece of Chinese Bronze Age clay fan casting technology.
The significance of the discovery didn’t end with the vase itself. Inscriptions on the surface of the pot unveiled a captivating historical narrative, linking it to its twin, the “Chen Zhang Square Pot,” which had been plundered by the Eight-Power Coalition and now resides in the Museum of the University of Pennsylvania.
The inscription, which reads “Qi Zang Ge You” on the round pot and “Da Zang Ge You” on the square pot, offers a glimpse into the victorious morale of the State of Qi following its conquest of the State of Yan.
In recognition of the brothers’ integrity and their contribution to preserving cultural heritage, the state awarded them 10,000 yuan—a substantial sum at the time—as a token of appreciation.
The discovery of “Chen Zhang’s Round Pot” not only adds a new chapter to the annals of ancient history but also underscores the invaluable role of archaeology in unraveling the mysteries of the past. Through artifacts like these, we gain insight into the lives, beliefs, and achievements of our ancestors, enriching our understanding of the civilizations that preceded us.
As “Chen Zhang’s Round Pot” finds its rightful place in the Nanjing Museum, it invites the world to marvel at its beauty and contemplate the stories it carries from a bygone era, reminding us of the enduring legacy of those who came before us.