The Qin dynasty terracotta warriors from Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb are some of the most significant and well-known Chinese relics, and now there’s a chance to see part of the 8,000-strong army right in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH) is hosting a new exhibition called ‘The Great Unity – Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province’ from April 16.
This exhibition focuses on the political, economic, cultural, technological, and other cross-border developments during the Qin and Han dynasties, featuring over 130 sets of treasures and relics from Shaanxi and archaeological finds from Hong Kong. More than half of these exhibits are being displayed in Hong Kong for the first time, and 11 sets are grade-one national treasures – four of which have never been exhibited outside mainland China before.
A definite highlight of the show is the three terracotta warriors, which are Chinese grade-one national treasures and are on display in Hong Kong for the first time. There’s a terracotta general, who remains the highest-ranking soldier uncovered at the mausoleum site in Xi’an; the terracotta musician, a kneeling figure who is believed to be striking a musical instrument; and the terracotta kneeling archer, on which visitors can still see traces of red pigment on the armour even after 2,000 years.
Of course, there are other interesting exhibits to keep an eye out for, such as the replica of a bronze chariot also uncovered at the Qin emperor’s mausoleum, as well as archaeological finds from Qin- and Han-era Hong Kong, like Han dynasty bronze coins unearthed in Tuen Mun, Lamma Island, and Chek Lap Kok, and a pottery model of a house find in the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb.
This exhibition is free to visit and will run until July 7, featuring a range of multimedia programmes that tie in with the exhibits and their specific time in history.
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