Li Qingfa (Chinese, B. 1954) and Jiang Weijie (Chinese, 20th C.) "Terra Cotta Warriors - Armor Warrior" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Silk painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.N. 32c & 60c The Terracotta Warriors stamp issued November 19, 1997. Qin Shi Huang's legion of terra-cotta warriors was interned in battle formation 15 to 20 feet underground. These incredible life-size statues occupied a roofed-over area extending 700 feet east to west and 200 feet north to south. They stood ready, some 8,000 strong, in the same configuration the emperor's live honor guard did. On each side of the formation men face outward, but the majority of Qin Shi Huang's army looks east to meet any attack on the main gate of the emperor's magnificent double-walled tomb. Men march rank on rank. Horses draw royal chariots made of wood. Each chariot carries three or four men and is pulled by four exquisite horses flanked by 12 foot soldiers. Soldiers are armed with real crossbows, swords and spears. In addition to the terracotta warriors and horses, archeologists have discovered a treasure trove of gold, jade, bamboo and bone artifacts, as well as linen, silk, pottery utensils, bronze objects and iron farm tools. Students of military technology were amazed at the discovery of arrowheads and metal swords treated with a preservative that allowed the warriors' weapons to withstand the ravages of corrosion for 22 centuries. Analysis revealed that the swords were fashioned from an alloy of copper, tin and 13 other elements, including nickel, magnesium and cobalt. Image Size: 13.25 x 10.25 in. Overall Size: 14 x 12 in. Unframed. (B15787)