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Model Armor

Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Not on view

Excavations of the First Emperor’s tomb yielded numerous stone models of armors and helmets, all of which appear to be copies of actual metal armors, and presumably the more advanced, iron gear of the Qin era. The present example is structurally complete, with body armor, shoulder plates, and a fringe at the waist and hips. The rows of scales comprising the body armor are fixed, while those of the shoulder plates and fringe allow for movement.

Model Armor, Limestone, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Model Armor, Limestone, China

Model Armor, Limestone, China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

秦石铠甲

Title: Model Armor

Period: Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Culture: China

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: H. 39 in. (99 cm); W. 29 1/2 in. (75 cm); D. 30 11/16 in. (78 cm); Wt. 48.5 lb. (22 kg)

Classification: Tomb Pottery

Credit Line: Lent by Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.