Editor’s Pick from Wunder Kammer.
🌿 Provenance
Inspired by one of the most enigmatic archaeological discoveries of all time: the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BCE). Unearthed by farmers near Xi’an in 1974, this underground necropolis revealed thousands of life-sized soldiers arranged in military formation — each one individually sculpted, unique in face, stance, and rank.
These clay warriors were designed to protect the emperor in the afterlife, forming a ghostly army for eternity. Fashioned in miniature, this modern interpretation carries their myth forward. Likely acquired as a souvenir or symbolic artifact, the figures condense the power, mystery, and timelessness of an ancient empire into a domestic relic.
✨ Description & Function
A five-piece ceramic tableau featuring terracotta soldiers in varied postures and expressions — standing, kneeling, commanding, or contemplative. Their matte grey surfaces are marked by ash-like textures, as though freshly unearthed from centuries of burial.
Entirely decorative, yet rich in meaning: guardianship, impermanence, and the echo of vanished empires. Together, they form a silent formation where memory meets myth. An ode to both authority and fragility.
🌍 Origin & Production
Likely handcrafted in China during the mid- to late-20th century, as export ware or educational replicas. The style and finish suggest small-scale mold production, echoing the historic Terracotta Army from the 3rd century BCE.
🧪 Material & Finish
Unglazed terracotta with deep, earthy patina. The surfaces show minor irregularities, subtle craquelures, and slight edge wear — hallmarks of handmade clay figures. The pigments have mellowed over time into a near-archaeological palette.
📏 Dimensions
Height varies between approx. 15–22 cm
Total width when displayed together: ~45 cm
Depth per figure: 4–6 cm
Weight (set): ± 2.5 kg
(Exact measurements available upon request)
🔍 Condition
Very good vintage condition. No breaks or missing parts. Minor wear and fading add to the archaeological appearance. One figure displays slight asymmetry, likely formed during the original firing process.
🌫️ Antidote Aesthetics
A meditative presence in post-digital collecting culture.
In an age of infinite images and hyper-refined objects, this quiet row of guardians offers a visual pause. No irony. No spectacle. Just five figures standing still — each suggesting that even clay can carry the weight of eternity.
Shipping Info
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Ships from Italy
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Carefully packed in double-boxed layers with protective wrap
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International shipping starts at €15 (tracked)
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Express delivery via UPS/DHL available upon request
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