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Hi, Can anyone comment on these terracotta figures? Chinese immortals? They have symbols on the front, & appear to have some age. Measure about 8". TIA for any help.
Best, Nancy

Link :Terracotta figures

Hi Nancy,
Of all of the excavated burial sites in China, the buried army in Xian has been the most jealously protected. The death penalty was allegedly immediate for anyone looting the tombs. Not surprising really when the tourists bring in hundreds of millions of dollars each year.


So revered are the buried army figures in China, that the travelling exhibitions had them insured for around $2 million dollars each. I heard that it transpired these pieces even then were copies.
Not sure whether that was correct.
But it gives you some idea how unlikely it is that your tourist miniatures are genuine antiques.

Enjoy them for what they are.
Regards
Tony

These are post-1970-ish small-scale replicas of warriors from the terra cotta army unearthed at the tomb of the first emperor of China, Qinshi Huangdi, near Xian, Shaanxi Province. I've seen them priced in sets of a half-dozen for only about $US20 at a local import store.

Best regards,

Bill H.

souvenirs for the tourist trade of the life-sized guardians of the Qin emperor's tomb.

These are new-made miniature imitations of human-sized sculptures found in large Qin tomb, for tourists. Inscriptions probably tell where originals were found.

Good luck,
Cal

Hi Nancy, The figure on the left is a representation of a high ranking officer, the kneeling figure in the center is an archer, the figure on the right is a cavalryman and would have included a horse (to scale) behind him.
Regards, Jim

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the info, I had a look at the originals online, amazing!
Nancy

Thank you Cal, Bill & Tony for the information. It is greatly appreciated.
Best, Nancy

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