Core Viewpoint - Recent discoveries at the Mawangdui Han Tomb have revealed that the previously identified "pillow cover" known as "Qidi 'Chengyun Embroidery'" is actually the earliest silk cushion found in archaeological history, along with significant findings regarding the T-shaped silk painting that shows signs of alterations [1][2]. Group 1: Discoveries at Mawangdui Han Tomb - The "Qidi 'Chengyun Embroidery'" cushion measures 100 cm in length and 74 cm in width, found in the tomb of Li Cang's wife, Xinzhui, and was previously misidentified as a pillow cover [1][2]. - The T-shaped silk painting, a centerpiece of the Hunan Museum's collection, is divided into three sections: heaven, earth, and underground, featuring a mythical creature and various deities [3]. Group 2: Research Methodology and Findings - Experts utilized multi-modal imaging techniques, including multi-spectral and X-ray fluorescence imaging, to identify multiple alteration traces on the T-shaped silk painting, indicating changes in artistic representation over time [3][4]. - The systematic inventory of over 21,000 artifacts from the Mawangdui Han Tomb was completed in 2022, revealing new insights, including auspicious phrases woven into textiles [4]. Group 3: Future Research Directions - The application of artificial intelligence tools and advanced imaging techniques is expected to enhance the study of Mawangdui silk texts and paintings, aiding in the restoration and preservation of these artifacts [5].

Core Viewpoint - The previously misidentified "Qidi 'Chengyun Embroidery'" is actually a silk cushion, marking the earliest archaeological discovery of a silk cushion to date [1][4]. Group 1: Discovery Details - The "Qidi 'Chengyun Embroidery'" cushion measures 100 cm in length and 74 cm in width, excavated from the Mawangdui No. 1 tomb, which belonged to Xin Chui, the wife of Li Cang, the prime minister of the Changsha Kingdom [2]. - Alongside the cushion, a similar item identified as a silk "Chengyun Embroidery" pillow was also found, measuring 87.5 cm in length and 65 cm in width [2]. Group 2: Research Insights - The discovery was made by Yu Yanjiao, who noted that the misidentification stemmed from the lack of corresponding records for the "Qidi 'Chengyun Embroidery'" and the visual similarities between the two items [7]. - A review of historical records revealed a previously uncorrelated item named "White Silk 'Chengyun Embroidery' Cushion," leading to the conclusion that the "Qidi 'Chengyun Embroidery'" is indeed a cushion [7]. Group 3: Cultural Context - The artifacts found in Xin Chui's tomb, including various furniture and utensils, illustrate the customs of sitting on the ground while enjoying food and performances during the Han Dynasty [8]. - The arrangement of low furniture and seating reflects the cultural practices of the time, emphasizing the significance of ground-level living [8]. Group 4: Additional Findings - A new embroidery pattern, "Double Phoenix 'Chengyun Embroidery'," was also discovered, filling a gap in the research of this field [9]. - The Mawangdui tombs, excavated between 1972 and 1974, are recognized as one of the significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, yielding thousands of exquisite artifacts [9].