Terra cotta warriors from mausoleum of the first Qin emperor of China
Qin Dynasty. c. 221-209 B.C.E. Painted terra cotta
One of the most extraordinary features of the terracotta warriors is that each appears to have distinct features—an incredible feat of craftsmanship and production. Despite the custom construction of these figures, studies of their proportions reveal that their frames were created using an assembly production system that paved the way for advances in mass production and commerce.
Basic Info
- All of the sculpture and the entire burial complex was created during the reign of emperor Qin Shihuang (221-209 BCE)
- Made to guard the tomb of Qin Shihuang, the first emperor to unite China
- An entire complex has been found underground
- The complex has gardens and stables, bronze ritual vessels, jade jewelry, and a wealth of gold and silver ornaments
- Qin was considered a military genius
- However, his strategies were extremely violent and destructive
Form
- Emperor Qin lined his burial complex with a treasury of riches and piles of precious gemstones said to represent the stars, sun and moon
- He was deeply concerned with the universe and looked to the cosmos as a guide for crossing over to an immortal existence
Function
- The First Emperor ascended to the throne of the Qin state at age of 13
- He immediately began to plan his burial, and more importantly, his underground palace to carry him into the afterlife
- He envisioned a subterranean domain that would parallel his worldly existence after corporal death
Content
- The terra-cotta army includes warriors, infantrymen, horses, chariots and all their attendant armor and weaponry
- There are unusually high levels of mercury around the complex
- Historians believe the Emperor may have set up a system of mercury rivers
- Some evidence points to the fact that he believed in the life-giving power of mercury
Context
- The unification of China is, without question, the greatest symbol of the Qin dynasty’s power and influence
- The First Emperor known for innovations that consolidated his rule
- During his reign, he introduced the standardization of currency, writing, measurements and more
- He connected cities and states with advanced systems of roads and canals
- He is also credited with continuing the construction of the Great Wall
Cross Cultural Connections
- Tomb of Tutankhamun (no. 23)
- Catacomb of Priscilla (no. 48)
- Tomb of the Triclinium (no. 32)
