The Tombs of Kucha

Archaeologists have uncovered several tombs in the western Chinese city of Kucha that date to about 300 CE. Above, one of the tombs; below, carvings of heavenly deer and other mythical animals.

Enlarge the image above and you can make out the traditional beasts of the four seasons: left, second from top, the Vermilion Bird of the South, left, second from bottom, the White Tiger of the West, right, second from top, the Black Turtle of the North; right, second from bottom, the Azure Dragon of the East.