The Mystery of the Terracotta Army's Single Eyelids
There's a common misconception circulating that the Terracotta Army figures were originally crafted with both single and double eyelids, with the double eyelids painted on. This belief posits that the paint has simply faded over time due to oxidation upon excavation, leaving the warriors with seemingly uniform single eyelids. Let's delve into this theory and explore the reality of the Terracotta Army's unique features.
The Lifelike Appearance of the Terracotta Army
The allure of the Terracotta Army lies in the astonishing individuality and realism of each figure. No two warriors are exactly alike, with unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and clothing details. This has led many to believe that they were modeled after real soldiers, capturing the diversity of appearances within Qin Shi Huang's vast army.
The Theory of Painted Double Eyelids
The theory that double eyelids were painted onto some figures and have since faded gains traction from the fact that the Terracotta Army was originally vibrantly colored. Over time, exposure to air and humidity has caused much of the paint to flake off, revealing the underlying terracotta.
It's conceivable that more delicate paintwork, like that required for double eyelids, would be more susceptible to deterioration. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that double eyelids were ever a feature of the Terracotta Army.
The Reality of Single Eyelids
Examining the Terracotta Army sculptures closely reveals that the single eyelid feature is not a result of fading paint but rather a deliberate artistic choice. The contours of the eyelids, the lack of any remnants of paint suggesting a crease, and the consistency of this feature across all the figures point to single eyelids being an intentional aspect of their design.
Reflecting a Historical and Artistic Context
Instead of viewing the single eyelids as a mystery to be solved, it's more insightful to understand them in the context of their time. During the Qin dynasty, the single eyelid, a common characteristic among East Asian populations, was the norm. The artists who sculpted the Terracotta Army were simply reflecting the prevalent facial features of their society.
Conclusion
The idea that the Terracotta Army's single eyelids are a result of faded paint is an intriguing but unfounded theory. The evidence strongly suggests that single eyelids were an intentional artistic decision, reflecting the physical characteristics of the people of that time. The enduring fascination with these ancient warriors lies not in solving a pigment-related mystery but in appreciating the artistry and historical insight they provide.
Q&A
Q: Are there any records of paint colors used on the Terracotta Army? A: Yes, analysis of paint fragments has revealed the use of pigments like cinnabar (red), azurite (blue), malachite (green), and orpiment (yellow), indicating a once-vibrant color scheme.
Q: Was the single eyelid considered a desirable feature during the Qin Dynasty? A: While there's no direct evidence to suggest specific beauty standards regarding eyelids, the prevalence of single eyelids in art and sculptures from that period indicates it was simply a common feature, not necessarily viewed as particularly desirable or undesirable.
Q: Are there any examples of other ancient Chinese sculptures featuring double eyelids? A: While less common, there are examples of sculptures from other periods of Chinese history that depict figures with double eyelids, suggesting that this feature was present in the population, but perhaps not as widespread as the single eyelid.