Terracotta warriors and horses of the Qin Dynasty

The appearance of Tomb Figure is the reflection of feudalistic social ideology. During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, living people were often used as burial objects in order to show off the master's status, wealth and spiritual relief before his death. During the period of the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States, Tomb Figures were buried with the dead as a substitute of living people. Tomb Figure is made of pottery clay, and various potteries Tomb Figure of human-shape are fired. The plastic pottery clay is the best material for bionic and imitation technique.

Pottery Tomb Figure first appeared in the end of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. While terracotta warriors and horses of the Qin Dynasty unearthed in Qin Shihuang emperor mausoleum in Lintong of Shan'xi Province. Qin Tomb Figure is the largest-sized pottery sculpture found in China up to know. Tomb Figure and horses are as large as real objects. All weapons used are real objects. Carriages and ornamental matters are also real objects. Military system and battle formation completely conforms to the real situation of the Qin troops at that time. Tomb Figures are diversified, such as generals, drivers of a carriage, horsemen and shooters. The clothes and expression are utterly different due to different status. Some stand lofty and firm and look courageous and powerful. Some look optimistic and resourceful. Some are magnificent with wide moustache. The images are vivid, portrayed finely and manufactured skillfully.  In the techniques of sculpture, much emphasis is laid not only on depicting the body but also on portraying the spirit. Especially the reveal of figure's temperament reached extremely high extends in ancient sculpture art of China.

Warrior Tomb Figure shooting from kneeling posture

This piece is made in the Qin Dynasty, 120cm in height, unearthed in the second pit of terracotta warriors and horses of the Qin Dynasty in Lintong County of Shangxi Province. The second pit is a zigzag rule-shaped military formation of multi-arms, which can be divided into two parts, the heart and the front of military formation. Warrior Tomb Figures shooting in kneeling posture form the heart of formation. The right knee of the kneeling The tomb figures touch the earth, left leg bending and crouching, hands stretching to the left in a shape of holding bows, clothed in long jacket reaching knees, two eyes staring at the front, firm and calm.

General Tomb Figure

This piece is made in the Qin Dynasty, 196cm in height. It is tall and strong with big eyes, bushy eyebrows and bright piercing eyes. There are double rolled tail crest on the head, square rising and pointed shoes on the feet. He is clothed in 2 layers long jackets; outside he is clothed in colored fish-scale armor. He holds his head and chest high, two hands overlapping, one finger pointing outward. It looks full of resource and astuteness, be perfectly calm and collected in commanding the army.

Warrior Tomb Figure shooting from a standing posture

This piece is made in the Qin Dynasty, 178cm in height, unearthed in the first unit of the second pit of terracotta warriors and horses of the Qin Dynasty. There are 332 bows and arrows soldiers altogether. All Tomb Figures are in standing position, staring forward by leaning on one side, the left leg slightly bending, the right leg stretching tight back, hands pulling the bows for shooting.

Longshan black pottery
Zisha (redware)