Archaeologists have discovered a noble family tomb dating back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) in central China's Hubei Province.

The Xincun Tomb in Shayang County consists of two chambers, where a Chu Kingdom patrician and his wife were respectively interred, two pits for chariots and horses and another sacrifice pit, as well as wall structures, said Zhou Qing, lead archeologist of the excavation team.

A profusion of artifacts were unearthed from the two chambers, including ritual objects, musical instruments, jade items, jewelry and lacquer wares, said Zhou. The finest pieces among them were an exquisite lacquered goblet, a large carving of a tomb-guarding beast, and a drum with a bird-shaped frame and a tiger foundation.

Eight chariots and 18 horses were also found in the two chariot pits accompanying the tomb, said the archaeologist.

The tomb was the latest found in the local tomb clusters dating back to the Chu Kingdom. The unearthed items indicate the tomb was built between 300 and 278 BC, researchers said.