Today, the unexpected unearthing of the Terracotta Army—a hoard of legendary, life-sized clay soldiers intended to fill an emperor’s elaborate mausoleum—is renowned as one of the world’s greatest archaeological events. Discovered in northwestern China and dating back to its first dynasty, the ceramic figures have shed light on the country’s ancient artistic practices and age-old burial rituals.
Listen beautiful relax classics on our Youtube channel.
In addition to offering a glimpse into Imperial China’s distinctive approach to funerary art, the sculptures are also celebrated for their scale—both in terms of each individual sculpture’s height and of the group as a whole.
Here, we present the history of the Terracotta Army, including its creation in the third century BCE, discovery in the 1970s, and its legacy in contemporary culture.
History
In 246 BCE, Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, took the throne at just thirteen years old. As ruler of the first Imperial Empire, he is credited with several accomplishments, including standardized scripts and coins, the construction of the Great Wall, and the overall expansion and unification of the state.
To celebrate his triumphs and memorialize his life, he ordered the construction of a necropolis in Xi’an, a region dotted with jade mines and rich in gold. He envisioned a complex mausoleum filled with his precious earthly possessions—including rare jewels and architectural models—as well as thousands of specially-made terracotta soldiers to protect him in the afterlife.
Though 7,000 laborers dedicated decades to constructing the over-the-top tomb and necropolis, the site was left unfinished when Qin died in 210 BCE.
Discovery
For centuries, Qin Shi Huang’s massive mausoleum remained undetected. However, in 1974, workers stumbled upon a large sculpture of a terracotta warrior while digging a well. Prompted by this surprising find, archaeologists began to explore the area, resulting in the discovery of thousands of similar soldiers in four pits.
Designed with an impressive level of detail, each figure is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The life-sized sculptures vary in height according to military ranking, with their uniforms, hairstyles, and even facial shapes and expressions following suit.
Though they appear the same shade of grey, the figures would have originally been realistically painted, accentuating their lifelike features and drawing attention to their eye-catching artisanship.
In addition to the 8,000 soldiers themselves, 130 ceramic chariots and 670 horses were also found in the necropolis. Similarly, clay figures of dancers, acrobats, and musicians were also unearthed, though these whimsical figures are greatly outnumbered by the stoic army.
Influence
Today, Qin Shi Huang’s necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major destination in China’s Shaanxi province.
While the vast majority of the terracotta soldiers remain on-site, ten have recently appeared in overseas exhibitions, allowing international audiences to see the sculptures in-person and offering “a new generation the rare chance to view the figures up close” (the Asian Art Museum).
Listen beautiful relax classics on our Youtube channel.
Similarly, the sculptures also inspire contemporary artists, manifesting as reproductions made out of everything from pizza dough to paper lanterns. Regardless of material or motive, these modern reinterpretations prove the lasting legacy of the amazing ancient artifacts.
Related Articles:
Modern Sculptures Depict Ancient Terracotta Warriors as Pop-Culture Icons
Terracotta Daughters Bring Awareness to Gender Preferences in China
Terracotta Warrior Lantern Sculptures Glow in Sydney for Chinese New Year
Terracotta Army LEGO Chalk Drawing
15 Most Famous Sculptures You Need to Know
The post Unearthing the Importance of the Life-Sized Terracotta Warriors appeared first on My Modern Met.
Source: mymodernmet.com