Unknown * Chinese artists of the Middle Ages

The artwork presents a vertical composition dominated by a central, stylized figure rendered in shades of red and brown against a pale yellow background. The overall impression is one of ritualistic significance, likely intended for funerary purposes given the context of its discovery within a tomb.
Here we see a procession or journey depicted through a series of stacked registers. At the top, a celestial scene unfolds: a crescent moon hangs in the sky alongside what appears to be a bird – possibly a raven or crow – positioned near the lunar orb. Below this, figures are arranged in groupings, their forms simplified and elongated. They appear to be engaged in some form of ceremonial activity, though specific actions remain ambiguous due to the stylized nature of the representation.
The central figure is particularly striking. It stands out with a more pronounced verticality, acting as an axis around which the other elements are organized. The details within this central area are intricate, featuring what seem to be decorative motifs and possibly symbolic representations of deities or spirits. A horizontal band separates the upper registers from the lower ones, creating a visual break that emphasizes the distinct phases of the journey being portrayed.
The lower portion of the artwork continues the procession, with more figures arranged in similar groupings as those above. The repetition of forms suggests a cyclical nature to the depicted event – perhaps symbolizing the souls passage through various realms or stages of afterlife. Dark tassels hang from the bottom edge, adding a tactile element and reinforcing the sense of an object meant for display or ritual use.
The color palette is restrained but impactful. The dominance of red evokes associations with vitality, power, and possibly protection. The brown tones suggest earthiness and connection to the physical world, while the yellow background provides contrast and highlights the figures.
Subtexts within this work likely relate to beliefs surrounding death, the afterlife, and the journey of the soul. The celestial imagery suggests a connection between the earthly realm and the heavens, implying that the deceased is ascending or being guided towards a higher state of existence. The stylized nature of the figures and the lack of realistic detail point toward a symbolic rather than literal representation of events. It’s probable that this piece served as a visual guide for the souls transition, offering reassurance and conveying cultural beliefs about what lies beyond death.