Special Exhibition
Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor and His Legacy
24 Jun 2011 – 16 Oct 2011
@ Special Exhibitions Gallery, ACM Empress Place

The First Emperor, Shi Huangdi (259-210 BCE) is one of the most controversial figures in China’s history. He unified China by conquering several smaller states and established a centralised government. But he was also remembered for his brutality and his suppression of Confucianism. The discovery in 1974 of thousands of figures buried near his tomb outside Xi’an added a surprising dimension to his reputation. These warriors and horses were made of terracotta (low-fired clay) and originally painted in brilliant colours.

This exhibition definitely should not be missed as it sets the First Emperor’s terracotta warriors in a wider context, by examining the period that led to the creation of a unified China, as well as the legacy of his tomb in the later Han dynasty.

The Making of Terra Cotta Warriors

The terracotta army figures were manufactured in workshops by government laborers and by local craftsmen. The head, arms, legs and torsos were created separately and then assembled. Clay was added to provide individual facial features. Once assembled, intricate features such as facial expressions were added. It is believed that their legs were made in much the same way that terracotta drainage pipes were manufactured at the time.

This would make it an assembly line production, with specific parts manufactured and assembled after being fired, as opposed to crafting one solid piece and subsequently firing it.

All pottery warriors and horses were made using local clay, then baked in the kiln. After firing the figures were completed with painted detail. The Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses were made in life-size. Upon completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits in precise military formation according to rank and duty.

 

Terra Cotta Warriors Showcase

What’s more? Witness the 3D warriors come alive using your iPhone.

 

CATCH THEM ALL – WARRIORS COME ALIVE!

Do also catch the animated life-sized 3D terracotta warriors marching across printed publicity materials using the ACM: Warriors app through your iPhone Camera as below.


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About this app: ACM: Terracotta Warriors app was produced by the Asian Civilisations Museum, and designed & developed by Magma Studios

 

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