CHINA'S ancient Terracotta Warriors are to be shown alongside a parallel display of new works by one of the world's most exciting contemporary artists, Cai Guo-Qiang, at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International next month.
Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality is a large-scale presentation of the Qin Emperor's Terracotta Warriors, which were discovered in 1974 in China's Shaanxi province.
They are regarded as one of the greatest archaeological finds of the twentieth century and widely described as the eighth wonder of the world.
The exhibition will feature eight warrior figures and two life-size horses from the Imperial Army, as well as two half-size replica bronze chariots, each drawn by four horses.
The Terracotta Warriors will be shown together with more than 150 exquisite ancient treasures of Chinese historic art and design lent by leading museums and archaeological sites from across Shaanxi province.
These include priceless gold, jade and bronze artefacts that date from the Western Zhou through to the Han dynasties (1046 BC - 220AD).
Presented in parallel, Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape, will see contemporary artist, Cai Guo-Qiang, create all new art works inspired by his home country's culture and its enduring philosophical traditions, including a monumental installation of 10,000 suspended porcelain birds.
Spiralling over visitors' heads, the birds create a three-dimensional impression of a calligraphic drawing of the sacred Mount Li, the site of the ancient tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, and his warriors.
The Melbourne Winter Masterpieces presentation of Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality and Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape will be on display from May 24 to October 13.
Ticket prices apply with adult tickets $30, concession $25.
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