Terracotta Warriors exhibit opens in US

Two visitors look at China's Terracotta Warriors on display in the media preview at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco on Feb 20, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chang Lei, a historical relic protectionist of Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum of Shaanxi province, told China News Service that this exhibition is distinctive, as they have brought to the US the terracotta warriors with the most dramatic look, the earliest discovered cavalry figurine and the rare kneeling terracotta warrior with his face painted green.

The chariot and horse terracotta displayed in the hall of the museum are also unusual.

"Usually we only showcase one of them. This time, we are displaying both, which is unusual," Chang said.

To prevent the exhibits from being damaged in earthquakes, which can occur in San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum has made every exhibit shockproof. They have also used 3-D image technology and drawings to reproduce the images of the weapons, horses and other items from the Qin Dynasty to help visitors better understand the ancient culture of the period.

A "Lost Warrior" campaign was launched two weeks ago to promote the exhibition. The museum asked a local actor to dress like a terracotta warrior and appear in at least 50 places across the city. The city's residents were invited to track his whereabouts and put his photo on social media to win free passes to the exhibition.

chenyingqun@chinadaily.com.cn

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