Terracotta knight statue from Xi'an, China

Approximate size: 26 x 8 x 5 cm

Approximate weight: 600g

The terracotta figurines are made from baked clay, handcrafted, and then carefully finished.

Their appearance is authentically ancient, and each terracotta figurine has subtle differences.

The Terracotta Army, also known as "figurines of warriors and horses buried with the dead" (bīngmǎ yǒng), is a collection of nearly eight thousand terracotta sculptures of soldiers and horses, representing the army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China; it was intended to protect the emperor on his journey after death, ensuring his safety and power even in the afterlife.

Knight: These terracotta soldiers are depicted leading horses, performing transport and support duties. They are often shown pulling carts or wagons carrying military supplies. While their decoration is generally less elaborate, it nonetheless reflects their importance in army logistics. A knight figurine represents a Hui Muslim, an ethnic minority in China, part of the Muslim community.

The highly realistic terracotta statues of warriors and horses faithfully depict their appearance at the time of their discovery. The aging process is far more complex than that of ordinary statues, requiring meticulous work and a significant amount of time. To achieve an authentic look, they must be buried in the ground for a period of time, then unearthed, exposed to the elements, and restored. Only after this natural erosion process can a realistic effect be achieved. Consequently, their value is considerably high due to the complexity and authenticity of the manufacturing process.