Chariot Driver in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2017

Chariot warrior


Object Details

Period: Western Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 9)

Culture: China

Medium: Earthenware with pigments

Dimensions: Each: H. 9 13/16 in. (25 cm); W. 7 1/16 in. (18 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Xuzhou City Museum


These twelve figures were among the roughly 2,400 terracotta warriors excavated from the tomb of Liu Yue, prince of a Han fief state. Made of fine clay, the figures were originally brightly painted, as indicated by surviving traces of pigment. The charioteers assume seated postures, as they would on their vehicles, while the foot soldiers, arms extended, probably once held long-handled dagger-axes or spears. They represent the two major components of the Han army during the early years of the dynasty: the chariot division and the infantry.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/640840