The Tomb of Lou Rui (Northern Qi Empire) as a Monument of a Transitional Period

The article presents the preliminary results of study an incredibly important monument – Tomb Lou Rui, who was one highest officials in state Northern Qi. A rich funerary inventory found there, as well coloured frescoes with a preserved area approximately 200 square meters. They include 71 compositions, among which pictures solemn departure from palace and return back stand out. most noticeable part all images painted on walls are horses, number up to heads. Therefore, horse decoration harness were specially studied by authors this article, transitional nature some elements (saddle, stirrups) noted. clothing riders is dominated «barbaric motifs», could be seen men’s suit Qi Song Dynasty. religious ideological aspects burial organization can determined syncretic nature, where traditional ideas about transition «other world» combined Confucian Buddhist motives, possibly influence Zoroastrianism. placement multi-figure compositions Tomb’s dromos had status character. Their creation led painter (perhaps, he famous Yang Zihua), however whole team apprentices helped master creating templates, drawing outlines wall filling them different paints.