A few years ago now (2019) Melbourne was lucky enough to have (some of) The Terracotta Warriors come to town for several months. .. .to the NGV in fact. We were away for a lot of that time and because of the strong interest had to wait until the last week to get our exhibition tickets.
It was definitely worth the wait (and the ticket price) however there was just one problem (for me) – much of it was behind glass and the lighting was ‘strange’ plus there were so many people around so I found it difficult to get good photos.
There was another exhibition running side by side with this one which covered modern Chinese art – featuring installations using gunpowder and 10,000 porcelain starlings depicted as a murmuration……but in my mind this is what stole the show.
The Emperor’s Chariots – or as I said to The Golfer.
‘Come and have a look at these rather nice looking horse and carts’
At first glance these might all look the same but different angles mean there’s something different to see in all of them .
To see them best……Click/ tap or finger slide to enlarge
*****
Tiggers Mum aka F mentioned ‘bucket lists’ the other day and I’ll admit to having had China on my list. It’s been so much easier to go there (under supervision) yes you really only get to see all the touristy things… for me that would be The Great Wall for one plus to possibly see more of thousands of warriors who made up The Army plus the real chariots because the ones that came to Melbourne (and anywhere else in the world) are replicas.
Unfortunately after the exhibition closed the whole world was turned upside down by the pandemic. I dislike disappointments but somehow I think I’ll have to enjoy the memories of what we saw that day because I’m not getting any younger I don’t think I’m/we are going to make it after all.
We haven’t been back to the NGV either – that is going to be a lot easier to rectify.
****
Sharing with Denyse’s weekly link up Wednesday’s Words & Pics.
https://concreteplayground.com/melbourne/arts-entertainment/ngv-terracotta-warriors
Still Waters 
Hari Om
I saw the terracottas when they came to Sydney back in 1983 (or was it 84?) – their first-ever appearance outside China! Have never forgotten the atmosphere of all those individual faces… YAM xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew they’d been here before but we were never in the right place physically or financially to get to see them. This exhibition was just an hour on the train and a short walk down the road😊
And yes it was so interesting how each of the faces seemed so different to the others plus their roles were different which meant their ‘dress’ was different also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Himself has seen the Terracotta Warriors in situ. And I jealous? Of course. Mightily.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ouch – just think of it as his own special treat EC. We’re all allowed one of those in life
LikeLike
You know, I can’t remember if we saw the warriors or not, but I do remember seeing this exhibit. It was good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Given half a chance I’d go again if the exhibition made a return visit. I think you’d see something different in it each time
LikeLike
What an interesting exhibit. Those pieces have so much detail. I didn’t know anything about them so I’ve learned something new. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t familiar with them either Jane, thinking there were only the ‘warrior’ statues being exhibited- and yes, they were quite stunning to look at. The fact that they were replicas didn’t seem to matter
LikeLike
I’m glad you saw the ones that came over at least. Yes the works going insane has curbed my enthusiasm for overseas travel Any future travel will be to very safe countries. If there is such a thing
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re mulling over whether we really want to go abroad again – do we want to go through all the hassle
LikeLike
I love that you stopped trying to be close to the show stoppers and found these treasures. I have had the same experience here at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. I have roamed until I found an empty gallery and just absorbed what was there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a timed viewing event Elizabeth – you were allocated a start time and sort of ‘moved along’ through the exhibits so it wasn’t overly crowded but I get annoyed at the selfish ‘I’m going to stand right here in front and not let anyone else see’ people. So I go looking for other pieces until they decide they’ve had enough
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have not encountered a timed event. I enjoy the free wandering I described.
LikeLike
Hi Cathy what great photos. We were fortunate enough to visit the Terracotta Warriors in China and it was truly amazing. All of them hidden under a field – incredible. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky lucky you Sue…..green eyes looking at you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They were pretty spectacular, Cathy x
LikeLike
How absolutely marvellous that you go to see this! I read with interest about the history. I am beginning to be at ‘the stage of life’ when things like driving more than a couple of hours are probably not great for unless I stay over…and now we are a one car family it’s unlikely I want to do that either. SO…back in the old home city, I am going to do more exploring of what is here…and that’s really what today’s post was about. I have only just begun!! Thank you for linking up this week for WWandPics on Denyse Whelan Blogs to Connect. Next week, I hope you join in again too, and be there to read my “C” for change & connection post! Warm wishes, Denyse.
LikeLike
This exhibition looks Fabulous. I love the horse and carts
LikeLike
Crikey – i had no idea they went on tour. Even if all you see is terracotta armies, be a tourist there gor a week. It would be worth it.
LikeLike