Guardians of the First Emperor
Over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried with China's first emperor Qin Shi Huang around 210 BC. Each figure possesses unique facial features, hairstyles, and expressions, representing an unprecedented commitment to individual portraiture in ancient art.
Demonstrates that the pursuit of individual artistic expression existed in ancient China alongside monumental collective achievement. Challenges Western-centric narratives of art history.