The Terracotta Warriors is a long moment in history that tells of what seems to be a never ending struggle for security in a violent and dangerous world. It is a saga of astonishing success, ingenuity, determination and the will to survive, and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world – known as The Eighth Wonder Of The World.
Accidentally unearthed in 1974 by farmers digging a well, The Terracotta Warriors is fascinating and takes us to a time and place of wonder.
Taking more than 30 years to complete, it is the 2,200-year-old remains of a burial complex of 8,000 life-like warriors of all ranks (no two faces are alike) arranged ready for battle, along with horses, chariots, weapons, acrobats and musicians. Other excavations include reception halls, offices, stables, sacrifice pits, an armory, an entertainment arena and an imperial zoo. This was the amazing brainchild of Qin Shihauang, the First Emperor to rise to power and rule over a unified China. (His story is fascinating, but for another column).
In its presentation, the Asian Art Museum features more than 120 rare artifacts from the enormous tomb complex from The First Emperor’s Legacy. Highlighted are 10 life-size terracotta figures (the maximum number permitted outside China in a single exhibition), newly discovered artifacts, bronze weapons, sculptures of waterfowl and a ceremonial limestone suite of armor, to tiny gold figurines. Two terracotta horses with their intricate horse fittings, a bronze bell with inlay design, bronze helmets and weapons are a delight. Here is a fascinating collection you are near enough to touch (don’t) from another era.
The Asian Art Museum is featuring “The AAM Terracotta Warriors” app that enables museum visitors to virtually interact with the objects on view. Visitors can take pictures through the app and then share them. An iPhone, iPad or iTouch will bring added enjoyment to this presentation.
For a fascinating visit to the past, this is definitely it.
Where: The Asian Art Museum, 200 Larken St., San Francisco
Admission: Free the first Sunday of each month, with a $10 surcharge for special exhibitions
Through: May 7
Details: (415) 561-3711 or www.asianart.art
