The Terracotta Warriors: Gift Book - Hardcover

The Terracotta Army of Qin Shihuangdi, the First Emperor of China, is one of the most spectacular and best-known finds in world archaeology. It was discovered by surprise in 1974 by peasants digging a well an 8,000-man garrison in battle-ready formation, spread across four pits. Here were life-size warriors made over two thousand years ago from fired clay (originally brightly painted), carrying real weapons: cavalry, archers and infantry; lowly foot soldiers and high-ranking officers; horses and war chariots. But who was this powerful Emperor of the Qin Dynasty who needed an army to guard him in the afterlife? How were the figures made? How could they have been manufactured on such a vast scale? The astonishing facts behind the figures are revealed in this little books fascinating introduction. Individual pieces are then examined in detail to illustrate the amazing nature of the Terracotta Army. Not only are there figures of different ranks and units, but each head is unique: every racial group in China seems to be represented; facial expressions and hairstyles vary; ages and characters are different. Atmospheric photography and extended captions bring the Army to life and make this book a perfect introduction to what has often been described as the eighth Wonder of the World.

Jane Portal is Assistant Keeper in the Department of Asia at the British Museum. Her publications include Chinese Art in Detail (BMP 2006), Chinese Love Poetry (BMP 2004) and Korea: Art and Archaeology (BMP 2000).