We've had so much rain that everything is well watered and happy to go into Spring! I must admit that I am solar powered and really look forward to days in the sunshine. In the meantime we have found ways to enjoy these last days of winter. Look what I found growing outside of our south facing windows! It thrills my heart to pick the blooms that have been beaten down by the rain and bring them inside to cheer us!
Yesterday we visited the Terracotta Army exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
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| Our eldest grandson, Samuel |
It was a fun day to acquire a little culture and escape another rainy day. I'm sure you have read about this amazing archaeological find in China. We were honored to view the items that are on loan from the Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum of the People's Republic of China. This exhibit has been in Richmond since November and will be leaving in a couple of weeks.
This exhibit tells the story of Ying Zheng's death in 210 BC. They believed (like other civilizations) that they needed certain items to accompany them into the afterlife.
8,000 life size clay soldiers, horses and chariots formed into battle formations were in his burial mausoleum. Also many weapons and other items.
He declared himself First Emperor of Qin, or Qin Shihuang (chin shu-hwong). Many advances were realized during his eleven years as emperor. His reign has shaped the history of China for 2,000 years.
The life size terracotta figures are quite detailed in their dress and armor. Some weigh as much as 400 pounds.
The artistry of the ancient Chinese craftsmen is amazing.
This Mausoleum was discovered by farmers outside of Xi'an in 1974. I remember Grayden mentioning the article about this in National Geographic many years ago.
Grayden and Samuel and I found this exhibit fascinating! Only 20 percent of the buried figures have been excavated. This large mausoleum measures approximately 38 square miles. The Emperor's tomb mound remains undisturbed.
How lucky you are to have this exhibit close enough to visit! My mother got to go to China and see them there. She brought home a few little tiny replicas of them in clay and I have a few. I'd love to see them in person! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, that's exciting your mother went to China to see the Terracotta Army! This was a great exhibit. Maybe it will come to a museum near you. Have a great evening. ♥
DeleteThat certainly is fascinating . . . and how exciting that this display was relatively near to you! I am glad that you three took the opportunity to see it.
ReplyDeleteThe detail is amazing. And the fact that they are life-sized. What work and care went into the creating of these soldiers for the afterlife! (And I can't help but ponder the free gift of grace that God provided to prepare us for the afterlife!)
Cheryl, we sometimes forget to take advantage of the opportunities that are nearby, particularly exhibits such as this.
DeleteMan has pondered the afterlife for eons, hasn't he? I'm certainly astonished at the grace God gives us through His son, Jesus Christ! ♥
The sheer scale and craftsmanship is breathtaking indeed. I recall hearing of the discovery way back in the early 70's too, and they still haven't finished excavating all this time on.
ReplyDeleteSamuel looks in his element!
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, Samuel was quite enthralled with this viewing. He's interested in the Chinese culture, so this exhibit was made for him. The vastness of this find, and the sensitivity of the objects, will probably never allow the Chinese to completely uncover it all. It would have been wonderful to see them all when they were painted in color! Hugs to you, my friend. xoxo ♥
DeleteI can only imagine the excitement of this find! I wonder how long it took them to sculpt these figures and when did they start?! Before he died, or did they have that many people working on a figure so they would finish in a reasonable amount of time?
ReplyDeleteCathy, I believe since the process was so elaborate, they worked on making these figures while the Emperor was living. He was king as well since he was 13. So they had a long time. There were thousands of craftsmen working on this project. ♥
DeleteWhat a wonderful exhibition, something I would love to see. One of the many reasons I love blogging to share in other bloggers experiences. It as wonderful to take a stroll with you.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. I wouldn't know about your wonderful place in the Hebrides if I hadn't "met" you! Thank you for coming along with us! ♥
DeleteMy husband asked me several times to see this and I said I probably wouldn't like this one. I was wrong. After seeing your post I wished I had visited. I need to check to see how long it's here. We love to visit the museum and have a bite while we are there. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletebetsy
Betsy, the Terracotta Army is at the VMFA until March 11th, so you still can go if you want! I highly recommend it. You do need to buy your timed tickets in advance as it is quite popular. ♥
DeleteNo, I don’t recall ever hearing of this. What an amazing find...so much more to find.
ReplyDeleteVee, this find is on the scale of the tombs of ancient Egypt. A peek into times before Christ. If this exhibit comes near you, I hope you can go. Have a nice day! ♥
DeleteOh yes, I have read about it and have seen a documentary about it! It is just wonderful that you have the opportunity to see those items on exhibit - in person! Thank you for sharing them with us. Absolutely fascinating. I hope it moves on to Minneapolis or St. Paul.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I do hope you have an opportunity to visit this exhibition. Hopefully it will be making the rounds about the country. Have a nice afternoon! ♥
DeleteWhat an interesting museum. So many unusual items made from terracotta. I like that picture of Samuel next to the statue. I can see why you found this place fascinating, Martha Ellen. These are the kind of museums that fascinate me too. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, the Va Museum of Fine Arts is a wonderful place to visit. This exhibit was great for us all to see. Have a great afternoon, my friend. ♥
DeleteA good customer of mine purchased a life size copy of one of the Terra Cotta figures, whilst in China, had it shipped home and presented it as a gift to his sons art teacher (who loves this Chinese history)Can you imagine her surprise??! Great exhibit!
ReplyDeleteJeri, that is amazing! They had figures for sale at the museum. Just the small ones were a couple thousand, so I can't imagine what a life size one would be. Then the shipping home--crazy. At least it probably didn't weigh the 400 pounds the original ones did! ♥
DeleteWhat a fascinating exhibit! I've read about this terracotta army in articles in the past. I hope thsi exhibit travels to Denver one day as I'd love to see it!
ReplyDeleteI hope it comes to your area, Pat. It's wonderful to view such ancient artifacts. I know it's been making the rounds, but I'm not sure of the itinerary. ♥
DeleteThat is a really fantastic display to visit. I didn’t know that only 20% of the figures were excavated and that the Emporer’s tomb has been left untouched. I remember reading about this discovery. How fun that you have daffodils blooming already!
ReplyDeleteLiz, the area is so large (38 square miles) and so fragile, I'm pretty sure they will never uncover it all. I am so happy to see blooms! Of course, we will continue to have winter for a while, but the hope of Spring is coming!♥
DeleteMartha, how wonderful! We say a documentary about this a year or so ago and had never heard of it before that. Fascinating! Love your daffodils!
ReplyDeleteThe daffodils are certainly making our dining table look like Spring. The Terracotta Army is really an amazing exhibition. I doubt I'll ever make it to China. ♥
DeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity to see this fabulous exhibit! And all life-sized. Just amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing to view. I'm so glad we went. I hope you have a lovely weekend. ♥
DeleteI didn't know about this exhibit--it looks so interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite interesting, Dotsie. If this exhibition comes near you I think you would enjoy! Have a nice weekend. ♥
DeleteWell it all looks fantastic! I bet you all did have a good time and really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Pam. Enjoy your weekend. ♥
DeleteHow beautiful. I wish I could send you some sun. We've had precious little rain this year but we have plenty of sunshine :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia. The sun is shining brightly this morning! It's certainly a balance of the rain and sunshine to make our flowers grow. Have a lovely weekend. xo ♥
DeleteI love these sculptures, especially the four horses and chariot, and how the people look like actual individuals. I hope they excavate the rest.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the sculptures are lovely pieces of art. Thanks for visiting today. ♥
DeleteYou are so lucky to have seen this ...
ReplyDeleteGreat photographs you've shared, the sculptures are very special.
All the best Jan
Jan, it's so nice for you to visit all of these posts. The Terracotta Army was very special for us to visit. ♥
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