We have an idea of what Chinese armor from the Qin Dynasty may
have looked like, since the 7000 or so terra cotta warriors from
the mausolem of the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (260-210 B.C.)
appear to be modeled on distinct, individual warriors. Some of
these warriors have made it to the United States via a traveling
exhibit. The following observations are based on the exhibition
at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the lecture of one of
its docents on January 6, 2013. The garments on the terra cotta
army were lacquered [see Chinese inventions] and colorfully
painted, especially in blue and red. Unfortunately, exposure to
elements, like air and fire, led to flaking off, bleaching, and
discoloration. Splotchy faded color remains. Although the
warriors are made of terra cotta, they are detailed and
realistic, so one can make guesses about what the features of
the clay forms represent. Some of the warriors wore no armor;
some, only chest covering armor; others, chest and upper arm.
The armor seems to have been ri