China's Terracotta Army: Reconstruction of the Polychromy
The terracotta army from the tomb of the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi (died 221 B.C.) now appears to be in a uniform shade of grey. However, the figures were originally painted in bright colours. Analyses revealed a two-layer coating with a glossy dark brown base coat of Far Eastern lacquer (Chinese Qi, Japanese urushi). Pigmented semi-matt layers were applied on top. Although the pigments were completely characterised, the binder proved to be almost completely degraded owing to the long burial in the earth. Minute traces indicated the use of egg. In 1999, scientists were able to fix the polychromy of entire figures for the first time. This was the starting point of further studies that enabled replicas to be made using the original painting techniques. Two plaster copies – an archer and a general - were given a base coat of Qi lacquer by Chinese lacquer specialists. The colourfulness of the archer has been secured in every detail. In contrast, the patterns and colour distributions from individual findings had to be collated for the general. This work was based not only on chemical analyses, but also on practical and technical painting experience. In full recognition of the difficulties encountered in colour reconstruction trials, the presented figures provide the best possible representation of the impression of freshly painted originals. This work was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Technology.
31.08. - 21.10.06 | MON, TUE, WED, FRI, SAT 12.00-17.00, THU 12.00-19.00, SUN closed, Lange Nacht der Museen on 21.10. 19.00-02.00, Bayerisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege, Hofgraben 4, 80539 München, see site map 05
