Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Terra Cotta


I thought I would write my blog about a recent visit to the National Geographic museum to see the Terra Cotta Warrior exhibit. It was a wondrous experience. I spent the day with my daughter and grandchildren on a chilly but sunny spring day.


The Emperor who created the project was both a genius and mad. Really, mad! He conquered and united China. He also thought that doses of Mercury would extend his life. It didn't.


The exhibit was entirely about the clay figures. Not just the soldiers but musicians, entertainers, horses, and water birds (swans, etc.). All life size. Well not all, as it happens life size horses in clay are too big to fire. They fall apart.


There wasn't a bit of cloth anywhere. But there was a design or two engraved into building bricks that would make great quilting lines.