Photo/Illutration Analysis by an X-ray fluorescence analyzer shows how mercury is dispersed on the wall at Kitora Tomb to depict the head of the snake. Experts believe it depicts the snake’s long red tongue. (Provided by the Agency for Cultural Affairs)

The richly colored murals at the Kitora Tomb in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, have been confirmed to include the Chinese zodiac animals of the dragon, the snake and the monkey, according to a new study.

The finding was reported at a study meeting conducted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs about the tomb in Tokyo on March 23.

“I’m surprised at how well preserved the paintings are,” said Ryusuke Masuki, an associate professor of history of Buddhist paintings at the graduate school of the University of Tokyo.

The Kitora Tomb is an ancient tumulus believed to have been made between the late seventh century and the early eighth century.

The government has designated the tomb as a special historic site.

It has also designated the murals at the Kitora Tomb as a national treasure.

The paintings of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals depict the creatures with animal heads and human bodies.

Experts believe three animals each were painted on the east, west, south and north walls of the tomb.

However, some of the walls are covered in mud, meaning the animals cannot be easily seen.

Thus, experts had confirmed only six of the 12 animals’ paintings at Kitora Tomb until the latest finding.

The six animals included the tiger and the horse.

In February, a research team from the study meeting analyzed portions of the Kitora Tomb’s walls where they assumed the three animals--the dragon, the snake and the monkey--were painted, using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer.

They assumed the three animals were painted on the east, south and west walls, respectively.

The research team investigated how elements included in the pigment were dispersed on the walls.

As a result, the team determined the presence of mercury and copper on the wall, which was how they could tell the three creatures had animal heads and human bodies.

In particular, the team could clearly recognize the clothes the snake is wearing in the painting, as well as the shapes of its head and tongue.

The use of mercury suggests painters used red pigments, while the use of copper hints they used blue and green pigments, according to the team.

Masuki believes the painting of the snake on the wall depicts its long red tongue.

“Similar pictures of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are included in collections of Buddhist images from the Heian Period (794-1185),” he said. “The finding further clarifies the historical importance of the Kitora Tomb murals.”

Related News