Kneeling Archer

Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Excavations of the mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin revealed terracotta models of 108 cavalry, 332 archers and infantry, and a combined unit of more than 300 charioteers, cavalry, and infantry, all fully armored. Based on this figure’s gestures, we can assume that he was an archer, whose original weapon—a crossbow— is now lost. He is the only figure on view here that still bears traces of color, indicating that he was once vividly painted (see the red of his armor laces and the black of his collar). Chemical analysis suggests the use of mineral pigments such as cinnabar, azurite, malachite, bone or lead white, and an artificially produced mineral pigment commonly known as “Han purple.”

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

秦陶跪射俑
Title: Kneeling Archer
Period: Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)
Culture: China
Medium: Earthenware with traces of pigments
Dimensions: H. 48 in. (121.9 cm): W. 27 in. (68.6 cm); D.19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm); Wt. 304.2 lb. (138 kg)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Lent by Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

200. Introduction

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