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| A Close Look at Terracotta Warrior |
Recently an interesting phenomenon has been discovered: the looks of terracotta warriors unearthed from the
Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang closely resemble those of modern Chinese people. Examined closely, almost every facial variation of modern Chinese man can be found amongst the warrior figures. Out of great astonishment, some people may guess the artisans practiced divination, by which they could predict the appearance of Chinese people living over 2,000 years later.
Experts don't agree by holding that the accidental discovery contains inevitability. The plastic art of terracotta warrior basically covers all Chinese people's facial shapes, which can be classified into eight types similar to the strokes of certain Chinese characters. Observe carefully, and you will find the face shapes of terracotta warriors are no more than these eight types.
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| The Side of Terracotta Warrior |
'国' shape-face: characterized by rectangle face, high cheekbone, wide forehead and cheek. '用' shape-face: marked by oblong face and flat cheek and chin. '目' shape-face: narrow and long face with small features. '田' shape-face: near square shape. '甲' shape-face: wide top and narrow bottom, like the shape of a melon seed. '由' shape-face: long face with narrow forehead and wide chin. '申' shape-face: wide cheekbone and narrow ends of the face, and oval face.
Besides grasping the characteristics of these eight face shapes, the Qin's artisans also learned that different face shapes should match with unlike facial features. For example, the plump '由' shape-face matches with small eyes, nose and mouth.
Qin artisans were skilled at using tiny details to express different characters and mental states. A person's temperament is often seen in his eyes, which is no exception to the Qin Terracotta Warriors.
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| Dignified Manner |
A canny warrior is recognized by his graceful eyebrow and eyes, a brave soldier's eyes are wide and staring, while a simple and honest soldier often has big head, wide face, bushy eyebrows and big eyes.
All the eyeballs of the Qin Terracotta Warriors are simple a convex shapes. Eyes are regarded as the window to a man's heart so the artisans carved different eyes to represent the "inner world" of the different soldiers. Some soldiers have squinty eyes and a tender smile to show their confidence to win the war; some soldiers have eyes wide open in a fury, filled with hate toward their enemies; and some soldiers are looking down, shy and quiet. The soldiers looking forward have their eyeballs in the center of the eyelids, and those who looking up have the eyeballs titled up slightly. Also, the eyes of the Qin Terracotta Warriors depict a single eye-lid, which accurately represents the features of the eyes of the Qin people.
On seeing the terracotta warrior figures, we could not help praising their lifelike appearance, reflecting the deep and thorough observation on life of the artisans living in the Qin Dynasty. The wisdom of the ancient Chinese people is embodied in this magnificent group of terracotta warriors.
Terracotta Warriors Museum Photos
Next: Green-Faced Terra Cotta Warrior
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Travelers' Voices on Lifelike Terra Cotta Figures
1.
Oct. 14,2009 15:00 Reply
Mrs.Mary(USA) said:
My husband and I are looking for 1-3 terra cotta warriors around 36" high. After looking on the internet, I seem to be having a dfficult time with the size. They are either a bit small or a bit large for our space. The restraunt PF Chang's has exactly what were looking for, but after contacting the office they would not divulge their source. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Oct. 14,2009 21:30
Mr.ANDY2008(China) replied:
visit this site although it is in Chinese
http://shop36946972.taobao.com/
http://shop21034702.taobao.com/?search=y&price1=&price2=&pageNum=3&scid=
21644372&keyword=&orderType=_time&viewType=&isNew=&ends=
http://store.taobao.com/shop/view_shop-b0ad5dc4e95150e02b4e243211dc6f3d.htm
Nov. 6,2009 12:48
Ms.Kathy(USa) replied:
Waldorf Pottery in White Plains, Md has 33"-37" Terra cotta soldiers for outdoor use
2.
Sep. 27,2009 17:43 Reply
Ms.Doran(Irelan) said:
Hi
I live in Ireland and have two full size replicas of teracota soldiers which I am interested in selling. I purchased them in China a few years ago. They are displayed indoors. I am now moving home and need to find them a good home.
Oct. 2,2009 09:07
Mrs.Joseph(USA) replied:
I am interested in purchasing your two full size replicas, if they are still available.
J. Joseph
614.449.8282
USA
3.
Sep. 14,2009 08:11 Reply
Ms.Conner(USA) said:
I would like to purchase two terra cotta warrior figures for in my home. I live in Columbus, Ohio, and am having a difficult time finding a place to buy these figures. I believe the figures come in 30 in., 60., and 72 in. heights. I am interested in two 30 inch figures for displaying in my home. Can you help me find a place where I might purchase them?
Thank you very much.
Ms. Conner
Sep. 14,2009 20:41
Ms.ANDY2008 replied:
http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail-0db2-c9767db159297138a42c2c8ff23b8623.htm
Sep. 14,2009 20:43
Ms.ANDY2008 replied:
http://shop33513842.taobao.com/shop/xshop/wui_page-cat-33513842-7781298-s6e80taxz/qx MLt2bgoNzUsIDEwMCwgMTIwIDE2MGNtKQ==.htm?checkedRange=true
Sep. 14,2009 20:49
Ms.ANDY2008 replied:
Hi, Ms Conner.copy all the letters as the website link which is in Chinese . A 30 inch figures will cost 300RMB , but the freight is much higher.
4.
Aug. 23,2009 09:35 Reply
Mr.shaolin banker(USA) said:
i have a replica warrior ;i store it indoors between two candleabras
5.
Jul. 31,2009 21:02 Reply
Mrs.green(Australia) said:
I will be recieving our shippment of a'General' warrior approx 4feet high, a soldier and a horse from Xian China, and was wondering if these are suitable to be put outside in the garden.
Aug. 1,2009 02:16
Mr.ladyxian(cn) replied:
No I don't suggest you put it outside, the figures will be weathering after one or two years.
Aug. 1,2009 18:50
Mrs.Green(Australia) replied:
Thank you for your reply, but is it possible to put a sealant on the warriors to protect them from the weather or this is not suitable as well.
Many thanks for your help
Cheryl Green
6.
Jul. 30,2009 12:54 Reply
Mrs.Michelle(USA) said:
Hello, my husband and I recently purchased a box of these Terra Cotta warriors and it is in a Chinese cloth box. We bought it at a second hand store for .00 but was wondering if anyone could tell me about how much it is really worth. There are 3 warriors and a horse. We also got the book called 'Dreams' which is signed by ??? Can anyone offer any info on this? Thank you!
Jul. 30,2009 21:10
Mr.kate(cn) replied:
Those kinds of terracotta replicas don't cost much, you can even bought a box of say 4 figures at about 10 Yuan.
7.
Mar. 6,2009 14:20 Reply
Mr.JAN G. MAR(USA) said:
I am looking to buy either one terra cotta figure or a soldier and horse for my front yard. My concern is how will the figures hold up to weather in the midwest ?
JAN G. MAR
Mar. 7,2009 02:36
Ms.Cora(China) replied:
Hi, you store it in a cool, dry place, and don't expose it to the sun, and I think the figures can be kept a rather long time.
Mar. 28,2009 21:29
Mr.richard wang (china) replied:
The terracotta figure was firing in the kiln more than one week, temperature about 1000 degree,if you put them in water ,they cann't be destoried , I am english tour guide in xi'an, wganping@yahoo.com.cn , if you want to buy ,I can help you .
8.
Feb. 8,2009 08:59 Reply
Ms.Cynthia(USA) said:
Hello,
I have two of these warriors and have been a colector of Chinese culture of many years. I would however like to purchase two life-size warriors for my patio and have been unsuccessful in doing so. Can anyone put me in touch with a supplier for purchase?
Thank You,
Feb. 23,2009 18:56
Ms.Cora(China) replied:
Hi, Ms.Cynthia, you can visit http://www.travelchinaguide.com/shopping/terra_cotta_army/productlist.htm, there is a variety of replicas of terracotta warriors for you to choose, and fill the form in http://www.travelchinaguide.com/shopping/terra_cotta_army/form.htm to let us contact you.
9.
Feb. 23,2009 12:52 Reply
Ms.Cathie(USA) said:
Hi Ms Cynthia..was up at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta over the weekend. Saw this amazing exhibition. In the gift shop, there was an advertisement re:'life-size warriors' for sale..there is a company that will take your order. I would contact the gift shop...its located on the main floor of the High Museum. Let me know how it works out.
10.
Feb. 18,2009 22:35 Reply
Mrs.Elizebeth(USA) said:
I learned about them during socail studies and I just think that it is soooo awsome that Shi Haugdi was a messed up man but had some brillant ideas!