Tomb Figurines

Western Han Dynasty, Yangling Museum, Xi'an

Over 40,000¹ - of these two-foot-tall, ceramic figures were buried in the tomb of Emperor Jingdi (157-141 BC), fourth emperor of of the Western Han dynasty. Their manufacture reflects deliberate cost-cutting, when compared to the life-sized, highly realistic, and wildly expensive terra-cotta warriors that accompanied the Qin emperor to his afterlife during the previous dynasty. Nevertheless, it has been estimated that up to 1/3 of the Han state revenue was spent on the imperial tombs. Originally the figures were fully clothed and fitted with wooden arms, which have since decayed.

Many writers have observed the "anatomical correctness" of the male figures. Some are castrated eunuchs and others are intact; in either case, it was desired to portray them in death as in life.

¹Estimate from Paludan, p. 34.