Experts deconstructed, restored and digitally reassembled the armor, recreating how it most likely looked during the Tang dynasty. Before this find and restoration, the concept of ancient golden armor in China was only the stuff of poetry and legend. The ancient Chinese legend that Tang dynasty rulers donned gold-plated armor in battle had long been mere myth—until now. China’s Tang dynasty celebrated its illustrious golden armor in art and poetry. Additionally found in the tomb was a lacquered tray designed to hold grapes featuring intricate Tang dynasty gold-and-silver inlay designs.