This week’s Weekly Photo Challenge is Relic.
This is a four horse bronze chariot of the Qin dynasty.
Archeologists labelled this as the No. 1 Bronze Carriage of the first Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Two chariots were discovered in the terracotta ruins. This one was lying 8m deep and 20 m away from the masuoelum of Qin Shi Huang.
While many people were awed when they first saw the terracotta army, I was stunned by the sight of this half size chariot- when it was exhibited in the Arts Museum in Hong Kong.
To go with the exhibition, they also have an animation of the carriage, explaining how this was discovered in year 1980 and how the carriage works.
The exhibition showed many relics of the Qin dynasty too – they gave me an appreciation how advanced things were in the Qin dynasty!
Apologize that the picture was not well taken, as it does not show the parasol and the driver whose eyes were glued to the distant ground. It was mainly because the chariot was housed in a curved glass exhibition case in a dark room.
retireediary 
Absolutely fascinating!
Thank you, Cate!
Hello Michael, I don’t understand : it’s the king himself who drive the carriage ?
Hi, I think it may be a warrior rather than the king himself, having said that, this needs the evidence which I still do not have!
Yes I think with our actual belief, we imagine a king at a back of a car, with a professionnal driver 😉 But this carriage is so amazing that I can imagine wants to drive it. For pleasure and impress other people !
Could well be.
There is a No.2 carriage which is bigger, I can imagine that the king sat on that one and driven by a driver. The whole thing is amazing!
We loved that exhibition, too! Great costumes, artifacts, even some quite valuable metals. We had trouble taking pictures in those dark showrooms — the glare could not be avoided. You did quite well!
Hi Rusha, you are right, there was glare and in fact This has prevented me taking in the parasol and the driver. I have another photo on the side which shows the parasol and the driver from the side but not as impressive!
Hi Michael,
I think I saw this four horse, bronze chariot. Was it in Xi’an?
Leslie
yes, Leslie – I still haven’t visited Xian!
Some things just stay in your memory. If you haven’t seen the Terra Cotta Warriors you are in for a big surprise. Amazing – there is no other word for it. The enormity of the display will knock you out.
Leslie
I have seen a lot of terracotta army in exhibitions – but it will never replace the sight at Xian – I hate the heat and cold in Xian . Need to find a right time to be there!
We were there in October and it was lovely then. They have exhibitions of the Terra Cotta Warriors here in Canada too, but to see the enormous sized areas that they are normally housed is incredible. The real thing in the real place. It is a life time experience.
Leslie
Great!
Hey, I’ve seen that!
Good!
Great picture Michael. Such amazing workmanship, the horses are so lifelike. The terracotta army was quite unbelievable in it’s diversity. There must have been such artisans available then.
Hi David, the level of details on the horses far exceed those on the Terracotta Army. You are quite right, there must be some very skilled artisans at the time!
I think it is so neat that, being on a whole different continent, I had an opportunity to see the same exhibit as you. If you are interested, you can see the photos I took of it here: http://andelieya.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/photographic-journal-chinas-first-emperors-terracotta-warriors/ It amazes me how they travel safely with this exhibit of ancient artifacts around the globe!
Your photos seem to be better than mine – my photos are full of glare and have a red background.
Great choice for the challenge Michael. I appreciate your sharing something I would not see otherwise.
Many people have the chance to see the Terracotta Army, there are only 2 bronze chariots discovered and the view is precious!
Wonderful picture Michael. These reminded me of our visit the Hebei Provincial Museum in Wuhan in 2001. The museum exhibits relics from the tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State (circa 450 B.C.). My photos are on 35mm film and I have yet to find a 35mm to digital scanner. I will post those pictures one of these days.
Will be very pleased to have a look at your photos if and when you have got them scanned!