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Materials:

An abundance of clay and especially large deposits of ochre-colored loess in Northern China, which the Chinese refer to as 'yellow earth' proved to be a suitable material due to its plasticity and adhesive quality. Clay of this type was produced in the area near Mount Lishan where the Qin Mausoleum was constructed. A group of kilns were established around the mausoleum in Shangjiao Village, Yuchi Village and Chengou Village.

Figure Creation:

The clay was firstly panned and crushed into a malleable form is suitable for molding. The mould was started from the bottom of the body. The feet of the warrior were formed on a square base, and legs were then added. When half-dry, clay was coiled into 3 to 5 cm ropes wound upwards to create the hollow upper body. This was carefully smoothed using a paddle on the exterior pressing against an anvil or block on the inside wall. Next, the half finished head and hands were pasted onto the body. The structure of the base prevented the figure from collapsing. Fashioning heads represented a complicated process. Facial features were achieved using a mould, with piling and sculpting to form the back. Ears were pasted to the heads prior to adding sculpted or molded hair buns.

Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Pictures

Related Links:

Emperor Qin Shi Huang
Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
China Pictures of Terra Cotta Army Museum
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