SHENYANG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A rare ground-painting has been found in a noble tomb in northeast China's Liaoning Province, local archaeological authorities said Wednesday.

The Hongjiajie graveyard in Futun Village in the city of Jinzhou was found in 2014 after it had been robbed. Excavation work on the tomb started in April 2015, according to the provincial cultural relics and archaeological institute.

So far, four tombs have been unearthed and are believed to date back to the Liao Dynasty (916-1125). A series of utensils, including ceramics, woodware, jadeware, stoneware and silk fabrics were also unearthed.

Archaeologists found paintings on the walls and ground of one of the tombs. The paintings mainly depict carriages and horses, flower patterns, dragons and phoenix, said Si Weiwei, a researcher with the institute.

"It is the first time to find tomb with a ground painting from the Liao Dynasty," Si said.

According to a newly-found epitaph, the Hongjiajie graveyard dating back to the year 1011 was owned by Han Derang, a renowned prime minister of the Liao Dynasty, and his descendants, Si said.