The Terracotta Army and the First Emperor of China Exhibition

Step back in time and discover one of the world’s greatest treasures at this world-class exhibition

China, 209 BC – Emperor Qin Shi Huang is buried in a tomb with around 8000 life-size terracotta (a clay-based ceramic) warriors to protect him in the afterlife. The funerary art collection included 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, all buried in pits nearby the tomb. Fast forward to 1974 when two local farmers in Xi’an were digging for water near the tomb and, unexpectedly, discovered  the largest ancient pottery collection in China. Today, it’s hailed as one of the greatest archaeological finds on Earth, almost 2200 years later!

For the first time ever, the world’s most painstaking recreation of the original Terracotta Army will be exhibited in South Africa. ExpoRSA will bring The Terracotta Army and the First Emperor of China Exhibition to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. From December 2016 to Sunday, 12 February 2017, keen historians, art-lovers and curious Capetonians will be able to see over 300 life-sized clay replicas of the warriors, chariots and horses, as well as get an insight into the first Emperor of China’s tomb. The exhibition will be displayed at The Watershed in the V&A Waterfront.

It is estimated that around 700 000 workers were involved in the creation of Emperor Qin’s tomb, which included the Terracotta Army and a delightful collection of valuable artefacts and artworks. Upon the discovery of the pits (up to 7-metres deep, 230-metres long and 62-metres wide), a large museum complex has been constructed over the site to preserve the statues. The football pitch-sized tomb remains sealed to protect the fragile artefacts inside it from the dry air.

The warrior statues are life-size and very detailed. They vary in height and general appearance, but include details such as armour, hairstyle and face shape. The army comprises armoured warriors, un-armoured infantrymen, cavalrymen, chariot drivers, spear-carrying charioteers, kneeling archers, standing archers, generals and officers – placed in precise military formation in accordance with their rank and duty. The uniforms and facial features of each statue also vary slightly, showing that each of the 8000+ figures were handmade and painstakingly painted with bright pigments (which have since peeled off or faded since being excavated).

The statues aren’t the only feature of this exciting display. Interactive exhibits will offer a unique educational glimpse into ancient China, the army and their weapons. The entire family will be able to take part and learn about the mind-blowing facts about the Terracotta Army and the First Emperor of China, which is why this exhibition has been so successful around the globe.

Similar exhibitions around the world have been met with the same enthusiasm and awe. The British Museum had its most successful year in 2008 when a Terracotta Army exhibition was held there, bringing the most visitors to the museum since the 1972 King Tutankhamun exhibition. The same was true for the Forum de Barcelona in 2004, the Fundación Canal de Isabel II in Madrid in 2005 and elsewhere around the globe.

TICKETS TO THE 2017 TERRACOTTA ARMY AND THE FIRST EMPEROR OF CHINA EXHIBITION

Tickets to the exhibitions are available online via Webtickets.co.za and will cost R140p/p for adults, R95p/p for pensioners and students, and R85p/p for children between five and 17 years old. Family tickets are also on offer for R350 (two adults and two children).

The exhibition runs from 9am to 6pm daily. For more information, email info@exporsa.com or phone +27 (0)73 206 2859.

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