{"product_id":"large-han-dynasty-painted-terracotta-foot-soldier-figure","title":"Large Han Dynasty | Painted Terracotta Foot Soldier Figure | Circa 206 BCE–220 CE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e China\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Painted terracotta (earthenware)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Han Dynasty, circa 206 BCE – 220 CE \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e This large and expressive terracotta figure represents a Han Dynasty foot soldier, originally created as a funerary object placed within tombs to serve and protect the deceased in the afterlife. Such figures, known as \u003cem\u003emingqi\u003c\/em\u003e, were an essential component of elite burial practices, symbolizing military strength, order, and the continuation of earthly life beyond death. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The figure stands in a commanding upright posture, with one arm bent forward as if once holding a now-lost weapon or standard. The other arm features a hollowed opening, likely intended for the insertion of a separate attribute, commonly crafted in wood or metal and now lost to time. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The soldier is depicted wearing a red-painted tunic over stylized armor, with carefully rendered vertical striping across the chest suggesting lamellar or plated protection. His facial features—arched brows, defined eyes, and a solemn expression—are executed with confident brushwork, retaining traces of original pigment despite centuries of burial. The headband and hair detailing further reflect Han artistic conventions. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The surface exhibits extensive earthen encrustation, mineral deposits, and natural weathering consistent with long-term burial, contributing to both authenticity and visual character. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Large-scale Han Dynasty funerary figure (over 20 inches tall)\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Original polychrome pigment remains, including red, black, and white\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Depicts a standing foot soldier in military attire\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Hollow arm apertures for now-missing original attachments\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Hand-applied painted facial features and armor detailing\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Substantial burial encrustation and mineralization\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e- Mounted on a modern museum-style display base\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e During the Han Dynasty, tombs were furnished with ceramic figures representing attendants, servants, and soldiers to ensure protection and service in the afterlife. Military figures such as this example symbolized power, order, and the safeguarding of the tomb occupant’s spirit. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e These figures form part of a broader funerary tradition that evolved from earlier practices such as the Qin Dynasty Terracotta Army, continuing into Han burial customs in a more stylized and accessible form. Larger examples such as this are particularly desirable, reflecting higher-status burials and greater artistic investment. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Good ancient condition overall. The surface shows heavy burial encrustation, pigment loss, and mineral deposits consistent with age. Structural integrity remains solid. Losses to inserted elements (weapon or attachments) are consistent with excavated examples. Mounted on a later custom display base. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Height: 20.5 in\u003cbr\u003e Width: 5.25 in\u003cbr\u003e Depth: 6.25 in \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e 1,800–2,200 years old \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExplore the legacy of ancient Chinese funerary sculpture through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/smarthistory.org\/the-terracotta-warriors\/\" title=\"The Terracotta Warriors – Smarthistory\"\u003eSmarthistory\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrowse our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/ancient-chinese-artifacts-imperial-relics\" title=\"Ancient Chinese Artifacts \u0026amp; Imperial Relics – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Ancient Chinese Artifacts \u0026amp; Imperial Relics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52940677873986,"sku":null,"price":3500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/han-dynasty-terracotta-soldier-mingqi-painted-figure.png?v=1776561230","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/fr\/products\/large-han-dynasty-painted-terracotta-foot-soldier-figure","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}