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Qigxin: Warrior
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Qigxin: Warrior
CHINA, Xinjiang, Bayingolin; 6th–7th century; Clay; H: 42.8 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
The statue was originally fastened to a wall by wooden pegs. It has retained some of its original color despite having survived a fire. The eyebrows and beard of this figure were tinted with ink and the lips were initially painted red. Many pieces of similarly modeled clay have been arranged in rows to create an impression of chain armor, which is colored green and yellow. The statue may reflect the style of the Sassanid Empire (224–651). The head is tilted back aggressively beneath a round helmet with decorative side-pieces. The statue is believed to depict a soldier from Mara's army due to its similarity to the murals in the Kizil Caves. |
