China: Bronze Chariot, Xian

Two large scale-models of bronze chariots and horses came unearthed in December, 1980, about 20 meters east of the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. They were tagged Chariot No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. Both required extensive restorations, over two and half years, before displayable in public. No. 2 was unveiled first -- in 1983, then No.1 -- in 1988. These were encased in a wooden box measuring 6.8 x 2.1x 2 meters for over two thousand years. And the box was buried 8 meters down in a trench. The trench runs 7 meters east to west, with a width of 2.3 meters. These are half size scale-models of real chariots and horses, faithfully copied down to the last detail, complete with horses and people. They are constructed with bronze and cast bullion. There are 1,720 gold and silver pieces, weighing 7 kilograms. No. 1 chariot is in the lead, with a four-horse team. It has been painted white by conservation workers.

Thanks to Dr Kiran Acharya. Cancellation from Xian depicting Chariot.