by Leticia Marie Sanchez

Viewing “World the Terracotta Warriors” felt like stepping into a thrilling time capsule. This intriguing exhibit contains more than 110 newly unearthed pieces from the First Emperor’s tomb complex.

This historic exhibition coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the original discovery of the warriors. The works on view offered a window into Chinese artistic achievements that spanned dynasties and millennia, from Shimao around 2300 B.C. to crucial sites of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The terracotta warriors were commissioned by the Qin emperor and completed in 210 B.C.

I attended a preview of the exhibit featuring a panel of distinguished guests from China, including Mr. Qian Jiu, Deputy Director, Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Mr.Li Gang, Director of the Emperor Qin Chi Huang’s Mausoleum Museum, and Mr.Zhao Xichen, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration.

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Tianlong Jiao, Chief Curator at the Bowers, about the conservation efforts to keep these treasures intact.

Not to be missed are the Terracotta Warriors, iconic sculptures of soldiers and horses, along side half-size chariots. Equally fascinating are the early walled discoveries from Shimao, dating back 4.000 years. Another key treasure of the exhibit are the royal tomb artifacts, including Jade and Gold ornaments, bronze vessels, and ceremonial fittings.

The exhibit also contained an immersive wall to transport the audiences back in time and envision the terracotta warriors in battle.

The curation of the exhibit was very well done, with this entrance wall giving the ambiance of an Indiana Jones adventure and the entrance to a thrilling archaeological find. Kudos to the Bowers for a captivating and informative exhibit, one that inspires its audience’s interest in archaeology and makes history come alive through art.