Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE D: WORLD ART
Preferred Title:
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor; High-Ranking Officer (General)
Image View:
Detail, back view showing distinctive headdress and back armor piece
Creator:
unknown (Chinese sculptors)
Location:
repository: Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Lintong Qu (third level subdivision), Shaanxi, China)
GPS:
34.385 109.273056
Date:
ca. 221-206 BCE (creation)
Cultural Context:
Chinese
Style Period:
Qin
Work Type 1:
sculpture (visual work)
Classification:
Sculpture and Installations
Material:
terracotta
Technique:
casting (process); fabrication attributes: ceramics; modeling (forming)
Subjects:
death or burial; funerary art; military or war; rulers and leaders; Qin shi huang, Emperor of China, 259 B.C.-210 B.C.
Description:
The site and first figures were discovered in 1974 by local farmers. The museum was opened in 1979. Some of the most distinctive figures, and the bronze chariots, were moved inside the climate controlled exhibits area. The figures were originally painted with bright pigments, but the paint has flaked off when exposed to air. The figures are life-size and were constructed in parts (heads, arms, legs, and torsos) which were then assembled with clay slip. This figure represents the highest ranking figure type found in the pits. So far, nine of this type have been excavated. Two of these are in battle robes and seven wear armor (including this one). The height, clothing and headgear all indicate high rank. (Source: Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum [official website]; www.bmy.com.cn/2015n ew/index.htm)
Collection:
Archivision Adjunct Module D: World Art
Identifier:
7A3-CH-MFQE-C17
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor; High-Ranking Officer (General)