The original warriors were built to protect the tomb of the first emperor of unified China, Qin Shi Huang (259BC-210BC). He came to power when he was just 13 and achieved a lot to unify the seven states of China during his short, somewhat tyrannical reign. He also created a common currency, some laws, roads, among other things. Many original coins (round with a square hole in them) were on display, along with original swords, daggers, and artifacts from the time.
Here are some facts I learned from my visit today:
- each replica warrior weighs approximately 180kg
- the terracotta horse replica weighs 200kg
- combined, the 43 warriors on display weighs a massive 10,000kg. Tests had to be carried out on the room (upstairs in the St James Theatre in Wellington) to ensure the floor was strong enough to hold the exhibition.
- each replica was handmade by artesans at a Chinese museum.
The warrior replicas and horse were lined up in formation. The scene was impressive enough with only 43 warriors, let alone imagining more than 8000!
Once again, I didn't have my camera with me, so these photos were taken on my trusty phone, which explains why the quality varies. I think it will be quite some time before I'll be able to see the real Terracotta Army in China. In the meantime, I can highly recommend checking out the replicas while they are on show in Wellington (until the end of February 2009).
Oh, and on the way out, there was a small table with a box saying that if you write your contact details on the back of your ticket that you will be in with a chance to win a trip for two to Hong Kong or Shanghai. Now, how could I resist a competition? ;-)
5 comments:
you know the pictures turned out pretty good! I am so jealous right now! :)
What an awesome exhibition!
Where would you prefer to go, Shanghai or Hong Kong?
Ooh, good question, Kelly. Having been to neither place, I'd happily go anywhere! Now, here I am thinking as though I've already won it ... it's not quite a dilemma, yet!
Ooh, that is fabulous! I'd love to see that! I hope you win that trip... ;)
Double comment here...
I have a couple of awards for you!
clicky...
Post a Comment