Research on the Techniques of Making Pottery Figurines of the Qin Army
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RESEARCH ON THE TECHNIQUES OF MAKING POTTERY FIGURINES OF THE QIN ARMY H.J. QU*, Z.H. CHENG** AND XIAO JIE WU*** *Excavation Team of the Qin Pottery Army, Xian, P.R.C. **Material Studies Research Center, Xian, P.R.C. ***Formerly of the Institute of Light Industries, Shanxi, now Director, Sichuan Institute of Arts and Crafts, 2 Bei San Duan, Yi Huan Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R.China ABSTRACT A description of the excavations of the Qin pottery army is given first. Analyses of the raw materials are reported. The construction techniques of the soldiers and horses are detailed separately. Lastly, analysis and reconstruction of the firing technology and post-fire paints are presented. ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION OF EMPEROR QIN SHE HUANG'S POTTERY ARMY Since its discovery in 1974 by farmers digging wells, Chinese archeologists have worked continuously at the foot of Mount Li in Lintong county, Shanxi Provence, to unearth the Qin pottery army (1). This imperial bodyguard was made more than 2,000 years ago to attend the tomb of the first emperor to unify China, Zheng, later known as Qin Shihuangdi, the first (shi) emperior (huangdi) of Qin, who ruled from 246-210 B.C. This pottery army of over 7,000 members was discovered in three large pits lying east of Emperior Qin Shi Huang's tumulus. Many of the figurines have been broken and displaced, because the pits were looted, and most of the original metal weapons and tools were removed. Even so, some bronze swords, triggers for crossbows, arrowheads, spears, hammars, knives and chariot fittings have been found among the figurines. Several pottery figurines have been seen in exhibitions abroad (2), and visitors to Xian are able to visit the now famous museum constructed around pit 1 (3). Recent finds of another, probably much larger pottery army indicate that such burial practices may be more widespread in this period than heretofore expected (4). The first pit runs 210 square meters east to west (not including the entrance), 62 meters north to south (not including the entrance), has a depth of 4.5 to 6.5 meters and total area of 12,600 square meters. Approximately 6,000 pieces of terracotta warriors and 24 horses were excavated. The second pit is located northeast of the first pit at a distance of 20 meters. It runs 123.5 meters east to west, 84 meters north to south and has a total area of 6,800 square meters. 1,117 terracotta warriors and some horses were excavated. The third pit is located northwest of the first pit 20 meters away. It runs 17.5 meters east to west, 20 meters north to south with a depth of 5.2 meters and a total area of 300 square meters. Terracotta warriors, 68 in number, and four horses were excavated. Based on the objects which have been excavated thus far, the terracotta army was of grand stature with a lifelike appearance. The soldiers measure from 1.78 meters to 1.87 meters tall. Some wear offical military uniforms and carry bows and swords. Others wear plated armor and hold long spears. The average height of a horse is 1.5 meters, and the average length
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