Colorful Qin Terracotta Figures exhibition in Xi'an

An exhibition of colored terracotta warriors opened in Xi'an, Shaanxi province on September 28, marking the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the ancient artworks. [Photo by Fan Zhen/chinadaily.com.cn]

Ornamentation appears primarily on caps, belts and armors. Variety of patterns was decorated on the edge of the armors such as bending-branch patterns and geometric patterns.

Most of the patterns are damaged nowadays. Partially surviving examples can still reveal the original colors.

Ornamentations on garments and armors of the Terra-cotta figures resemble the D type diamond patterns on brocade garments unearthed from tomb No.1 at Mashan, Jiangling (Hubei) in the Chu region, and those from tomb No.1 at Mawangdui (Hunan) of the Western Han period.

It seems decorative patterns from Terra-cotta Army pits, are commonly seen in the Chu region. Ornamentations on the Bronze Chariots of the First Emperor are also influenced by the design of the Chu region which suggests the cultural exchange between the Qin and Chu during the time.

Among the painted art of the Qin and Han Dynasties, the Terracotta Army is the most unique and brilliant.

Murals, silk paintings and paintings on tomb stones and bricks have their own characteristics and artistic flavors.

The inclusiveness and unrestrained vehemence shown by the paintings and coloring methods in the period of Qin and Han Dynasties is unsurpassable by the art in the following dynasties.