The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife. The figures, dating from approximately the late third century BCE, were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, outside Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians.
History of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army was commissioned by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, in the late third century BCE. The purpose of the terracotta army was to protect the emperor in his afterlife. The figures were buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE, and were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong County, outside Xi’an, Shaanxi, China.
Design of the Terracotta Army
The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. The figures are also painted with bright colors, including red, green, blue, black, brown, and yellow.
Terracotta Warriors
The terracotta warriors are the most famous part of the terracotta army. The warriors are life-sized and are dressed in armor and helmets. Each warrior is unique and has a different facial expression and hairstyle.
Terracotta Chariots
The terracotta chariots are a major part of the terracotta army. The chariots are life-sized and have four horses and two drivers. The chariots are painted with bright colors and have intricate details.
Terracotta Horses
The terracotta horses are a major part of the terracotta army. The horses are life-sized and have intricate details. The horses are painted with bright colors and have detailed saddles and harnesses.
Significance of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army is a remarkable example of funerary art. It is an incredible example of the power and wealth of the Qin dynasty. It is also an example of the great craftsmanship of the Chinese artisans of the time.
Preservation of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army is a fragile and delicate piece of art and requires special care and attention for its preservation. The figures are kept in a climate-controlled environment and are regularly cleaned and maintained.
Conclusion
The terracotta army is a remarkable example of funerary art. It is an incredible example of the power and wealth of the Qin dynasty and is an example of the great craftsmanship of the Chinese artisans of the time. The terracotta army is a fragile and delicate piece of art and requires special care and attention for its preservation.
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