Thinking Through Scale: The First Emperor’s Sculptural Enterprise
This chapter confronts the problems of the terminology of “figurine” and that of “yong,” the ancient Chinese word always used to translate “figurine.” Yong does not imply miniature size necessarily and is defined by funerary functions. The issues are exemplified through discussion of the sculptural projects of the First Emperor, including his larger-than-life golden statues in bronze and the famous terracotta army and other sculptures of his mausoleum, including scaled miniatures. The chapter simultaneously confronts the issue of the figurine in the specific context of the third century BCE and explores the problems in using this European concept for the study of non-European art.
Keyword(s):
2018 ◽
2018 ◽