The find is thought to be significant to the study of China’s archaeological and technological history. “Different from the modern method, ancient Chinese people 2,000 years ago used rice and broomcorn as raw materials to make wine,” said Sun Fuxi, director of Xi’an Cultural Heritage Archaeological Institute. The unearthed wine jar, 78-cm tall, has been identified as the largest bronze ware made in the Western Han Dynasty. Liquor made from rice or sorghum grains was a major part of ceremonies and ritual sacrifices in ancient China, with elaborate bronze cups and decanters cast specifically for their use.

Several drinking vessels, along with bronze bells, more than 100 jade pieces and part of a human skull were found in the tomb.