Chinese Warriors, a photo from Shaanxi, Central

Photographer's Note

Chinese Warriors

The discovery of the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi in March of 1974 by a group of farmers in Xi'an, China, is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

The 7,500 life-size clay soldiers were buried 22 centuries ago in battle formation with real chariots and weapons of wood and bronze. A rebellious real-life army toppled the clay soldiers after the emperor’s death. Today, one by one and often piece by piece, more than 1,000 of the imperial guards have been restored and returned to their posts in the largest of three burial pits where charioteers, horses, archers, spearmen, and officers stand in dusty sunlight. Both a museum and a working archaeological dig, the three acre site is part of the tomb complex. Now under a protective roof, the emperor’s troops fill 11 corridors of the main burial pit, with robed bowman followed by four-horse chariots and ranks of armored infantry.

Each head is individually molded—perhaps to represent the various people Qui Shi Huangdi molded into one nation. The clay soldiers are detailed down to the last rivet of the archer’s armor. Some show the remains of painted uniforms. Sometimes it can take two months to restore a single figure. Gluing the parts together may take only four to five days, but sorting out and matching fragments may take weeks. One statue was in 200 pieces.

My visit to China was planned for 1989, the year of the Tiananmen Square protests, and had to be postponed until the summer of 1990. This picture is another of my scanned slides.

kordinator, subhendu_bagchi, pajaran, mafegan has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

batalay (41261) 2010-09-26 21:36

Hello Betty,

What a spectacular addition to Trekearth, as classic a view of the pottery army as one could hope. The scanning process clearly works best for such monochromatic photos. Your vantage point in shooting the phalanxes has created diagonal stripes. I want very much to hang this beauty among my gallery of 'favorites.' In my visit to China in 1983 I did not get to make an excursion to Xi'an. This, however, gives me the vicarious satisfaction of having seen it with my own eyes.

Warm regards,

Bulent

Urs (14082) 2010-09-27 7:57

Hi Betty

You were there 20 years ago but I was even earlier by 6 years, it was in August 1984. Nothing seems to have changed. the terracotta army still is there, a proud symbols of Chinese art. Nice capture and scan. Well done. Thanks for your critique of my butterfly shot.

Warm regards
Urs

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2010-09-28 1:48

Namaste Betty,
an interesting compound full with clay shoulders. You have chosen a nice POV to show the view. The repeatation of sculptures is nice to watch at. It gives superb graphical effect here. Your note is fine as ever. Very well done. Tfs.
Best wishes.
Subhendu

AKITA (15125) 2010-09-28 19:17

dear Betty,
a beautiful shot of the wonder view in excavated ancient tomb,
lots of mud statues of soldiers look so unearthly now,
the power of ancient emperor is incredible...
and your scanning this image from film is nice too,
thank you for your excellent shot,
Akihisa

pajaran (104923) 2010-09-28 22:43

Pozdrav, kod nas je jutro.
Gledao sam na TV emisiju o grobnici vojnika.
Odlican tekst .
Ljudi su kroz vekove ostavljali tragove za sobom, ali ovo je velicanstveno.
Lepo ste prikazali deo grobnice, mnogo lepa fotografija i rad.
Sve najbolje.
Paja.

Google.

Hello, here is the morning.
I watched the TV show on the grave of soldiers.
Excellent text.
People have for centuries left no clues behind, but this is magnificent.
You display a beautiful part of the tomb, many nice photos and work.
All the best.
Donald.

kordinator (8738) 2010-09-29 1:13

Hello Betty
Great composition.
Lots mud statues of soldiers are amazing.
Fine light managment.
Excellent written text.
You display a beautiful part of the tomb.
Thank you for your excellent shot.
Great job.
Regards
Saša

danyy (0) 2010-09-29 23:00

Bonjour Betty,
le manque de couleur colle bien avec la terre dans laquelle était enfouie cette armée. Une bonne gestion de la lumière qui donne un niveau de détail étonnant.
My best regards.
Daniel.

fabianoleite (13575) 2010-09-30 9:36

Very impressive sculptures, well captured by your camera. Very good job, congratulations!

Atousa (7131) 2010-10-03 8:24

Salam Betty,

A fine shot of these Chinese warriors.. its really nice to see artworks like that.. your shot made me wish to be there right now!.. thanks for this well composed shot.
Best regards, Atousa

sacavem (18620) 2010-10-11 13:26

Olá Betty,

The human imagination has no limits, as documented in this shot.
TFS,

Cumprimentos,
Filipe

mafegan (8626) 2010-10-28 21:20

Hello Betty
Your scan is excellent giving so much detail and texture of this amazing find. Good lighting in harsh conditions. Tfs, Marlene