The Terracotta Army of Xi’an
Treasures of the First Emperors of China

An exclusive exhibition for Belgium: the original, world-famous warriors
and other extraordinary and precious grave goods from the Qin and Western Han dynasties

In 2008–2009 the vzw EXPO MAASEIK organises a spectacular exhibition about the world-famous Terracotta Army that was discovered near the Chinese city of Xi’an, capital of the Shaanxi province. The Terracotta Army is over 2000 years old and has become an attraction of worldwide renown – year after year attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. It was placed on the UNESCO world heritage list and undoubtedly ranks among the greatest archeological finds of the 20th century.

The Terracotta Army comprises foot soldiers, cavalrymen with horses, archers and charioteers. They guarded the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi. The tomb complex of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi is surrounded by the tombs of princes and princesses. This remarkable funerary cult from the Qin dynasty acquires a specific character during the subsequent Western Han dynasty. Numerous unique grave gifts from both dynasties have been discovered by archaeologists. These enable us to study and admire the cultural development during the early days of the Chinese empire.

 

 

 

Very exceptionally, the fragile terracotta warriors and over two hundred unique pieces from the burial treasure, dating back to the Qin and Western Han dynasties are allowed to travel!
The vzw EXPO MAASEIK and Maaseik Museums are proud to be able to present this exceptional Chinese cultural patrimony from 1 October 2008 until 31 March 2009.

Over the years, the vzw EXPO MAASEIK and Maaseik Museums have built up an international network of museums mutually cooperating in the organisation of exhibitions. Cooperative ties have been established with museums in The Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Italy. For over 20 years now, they have been cooperating closely with the Drents Museum in Assen (NL), which set up this extraordinary exhibition.