Theme 1. Religion, Philosophy, Politics and Power
Terracotta warriors from the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor of China Qin Shihuang, c. 221-206 B.C.E., Qin Dynasty, painted terracotta, Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Shaanxi, China
The terracotta warriors belong to a burial complex created for the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Huangdi. Qin Huangdi started building his burial complex at the age of 13, which is when he became emperor. He rose to power during the Warring States period which was a time of constant conflict and unrest between the different regions of China. Qin Huangdi unified China and solidified their rule under him as well as regularized the law code under a ruling philosophy called Legalism, the belief that humans are naturally unruly and evil and must be controlled under stringent laws and harsh punishments. His need for complete control of the kingdom lead him to create his tomb along …show more content…
Both wear their traditional and official robes which tell of a higher status and political significance they had in life and their respective cultures. Sin Sukju is depicted wearing his official robes and a black silk hat on his head. He also wears a rank badge on his chest depicting a pair of peacocks amongst clouds and flowers in gold embroidery, this shows his status as a civil official in the government. In Chairman Mao’s portrait, he wears traditional Confucian robes and holds a parasol which is a symbol of scholars in Chinese and Confucian culture. His portrait is meant to show his determination, power and high status. They are both composed the same way in full length view with their heads turned and only one ear showing. Both figures hold ideal body proportions, as they are seen very realistic. Both portraits depict them as very individualized, especially for Chairman Mao because he is normally depicted with among
Terracotta warriors from the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor of China Qin Shihuang, c. 221-206 B.C.E., Qin Dynasty, painted terracotta, Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Shaanxi, China
The terracotta warriors belong to a burial complex created for the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Emperor Qin Huangdi. Qin Huangdi started building his burial complex at the age of 13, which is when he became emperor. He rose to power during the Warring States period which was a time of constant conflict and unrest between the different regions of China. Qin Huangdi unified China and solidified their rule under him as well as regularized the law code under a ruling philosophy called Legalism, the belief that humans are naturally unruly and evil and must be controlled under stringent laws and harsh punishments. His need for complete control of the kingdom lead him to create his tomb along …show more content…
Both wear their traditional and official robes which tell of a higher status and political significance they had in life and their respective cultures. Sin Sukju is depicted wearing his official robes and a black silk hat on his head. He also wears a rank badge on his chest depicting a pair of peacocks amongst clouds and flowers in gold embroidery, this shows his status as a civil official in the government. In Chairman Mao’s portrait, he wears traditional Confucian robes and holds a parasol which is a symbol of scholars in Chinese and Confucian culture. His portrait is meant to show his determination, power and high status. They are both composed the same way in full length view with their heads turned and only one ear showing. Both figures hold ideal body proportions, as they are seen very realistic. Both portraits depict them as very individualized, especially for Chairman Mao because he is normally depicted with among