When the First Emperor of China ascended the throne in 247 BC, he ordered his ministers to build a massive burial complex. This underground palace had to be well guarded—not by real people, but by soldiers made of baked clay: a Terracotta Army.

In the exhibition Made in China, on view at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam starting October 16, life-size reconstructions of the original soldiers will be displayed. Based on extensive archaeological research, restorer Catharina Blaensdorf spent years creating these authentic reconstructions, using the same materials and techniques as in ancient times. They reveal the original colors that have faded on the real soldiers.

Willemijn van Noord, curator of Chinese art at the Wereldmuseum, will give a lecture about the creation process of the terracotta soldiers and their reconstructions, showing photographs of the process.

Made in China can be seen at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam until August 31, and from October 16 at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. The Wereldmuseum uses China as a case study to present a new perspective on the concept of making. The exhibition features a mix of objects, art, fashion, photography, and video, showcasing China’s rich and ongoing maker culture. It also explores the various meanings of “making” through the work of contemporary artists and designers such as Cao Fei, Susan Fang, Jing He, Ma Ke, and Yang Yongliang.

Practical information
• The lecture will be in Dutch
• The lecture schedule will follow soon