Chinese T88M Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (miniature sheet)
The Chinese postage stamp T88M featuring the Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (miniature sheet) was issued on June 30, 1983, with a face value of 2 yuan. The miniature sheet measures 100mm x 85mm and had a circulation of 850,400 sheets. The stamp is cataloged as T88M by China Post, and the miniature sheet is titled "Leading the Horse." The design showcases the Terracotta Army pit at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, with a focus on the figurines and terracotta horses. The composition of the stamp combines the overall view of the pit with detailed close-ups, creating a harmonious structure. The miniature sheet is in perfect condition without any defects, classified as superior quality.
The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and included in the World Heritage List. Construction of the mausoleum began in 246 BC and lasted for 39 years, making it one of the largest imperial tombs known from China's feudal society. The discovery of the Terracotta Army is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century and is often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."
The Terracotta Army pit is a large burial pit on the eastern side of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. The accidental discovery of Pit 1 by local farmers on March 29, 1974, led to subsequent findings of Pit 2 and Pit 3. To allow domestic and international audiences to appreciate the magnificence of the Terracotta Army as soon as possible, a large thematic museum, the Museum of the Terracotta Army of the First Qin Emperor, was established on the site of the Terracotta Army pits.
The Terracotta Army statues are tall, well-proportioned, vivid, and lifelike, each with unique facial expressions, making them a treasure trove of ancient Chinese art. The discovery of the Terracotta Army provides valuable visual information for the study of military, political, economic, cultural, scientific, and artistic aspects of the Qin Dynasty. The tens of thousands of bronze weapons unearthed from the pits were all functional combat weapons, representing a treasure trove of ancient Chinese weaponry. Some of these weapons still shine brightly today, constituting a remarkable achievement in the history of metallurgy.