Museum Updates
1,300-year-old mural is a snapshot of a polo match
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
China Bound
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This mural, hailed as the most vivid surviving Tang Dynasty (618-907) polo scene, was unearthed from the tomb of Li Yong (687-727), Prince Siguo, in Fuping county, Weinan, Shaanxi province.
In the remaining section of the mural, two riders focus their eyes on a ball at the bottom, capturing a second of a thrilling competition. The rider on the left, with fierce, wide eyes and bristling beard, shows taut, powerful muscles. The rider on the right twists in the saddle, gripping his mallet in a reverse swing, ready to strike.
The mural records an important polo match played by the tomb owner, Li Yong. It is now preserved in the collection of the Shaanxi Archaeology Museum.
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