Chinese archaeologists have discovered a large deposit of bronze items in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, when excavating a tomb cluster dating from between the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C) to the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C).

Wang Tianyou, head of the archaeological team from the Chengdu Cultural Relic Research Institute, said they have excavated 180 tombs in an area the size of two soccer fields. Over 540 bronze ware items were unearthed, ranging from weapons, utensils and tools to ritual statues.

The team also discovered eight seals, over 40 pieces of exquisite and colorful lacquered woodwork, and more than 500 pieces of pottery. Remains of rice, seeds and peach pits could even be identified in some of the unearthed vessels.

The largest number of items was found in a tomb holding a boat-shaped coffin, which was carved out of a tree trunk and sealed with mud.

The bronze ware is elaborately engraved with designs such as cicadas, tigers, dragons and hand-prints. Most of the ornaments on the bronze are common decorations of the Kingdom of Shu, an ancient civilization in Sichuan.

Liu Yumao, a research fellow with the institute, said the findings are important evidence to help understand the history, culture and burial rituals of the Kingdom of Shu and its interaction with other kingdoms.

(With inputs from Xinhua)