Li Qingfa (Chinese, B. 1954) and Jiang Weijie (Chinese, 20th C.) "Terra Cotta Warriors - Kneeling Shooter" Signed lower right. Mixed Media on Silk. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.N. F.s. 0,70 The Terracotta Warriors stamp issued November 19, 1997. China's earliest emperors lived and died in the area of Shensi Province in the Yellow River Valley. From the time Qin Shi Huang conquered his enemies and became China's first emperor in 221 B.C., until the demise of the imperial dynasties in 1912, the Chinese emperors oversaw what they called Chung-Kuo, the "pivotal kingdom." The base of their power in Shensi Province is now an archeologist's utopia, with literally hundreds of unexcavated tombs holding countless riches. Archeologists believe that among these tombs Qin Shi Huang's will prove to be the most spectacular. Some 700,000 forced laborers spent 36 years constructing an underground palace in which the emperor could spend eternity. The terra-cotta warriors of Qin Shi Huang's army were entombed some 4,500 feet east of Mount Li, the tumulus where the emperor was buried. In 100 B.C. Ssu-ma Ch'ien, China's famed historian, described the emperor's exquisite burial chamber: " . . . the tomb was filled with models of palaces, pavilions, and offices, as well as fine vessels, precious stones, and rarities. Artisans were ordered to fix up crossbows so that any thief breaking in would be shot. All the country's streams, the Yellow River, and the Yangtze were reproduced in quicksilver and by some mechanical means made to flow into a miniature ocean. The heavenly constellations were above and the regions of the earth below. The candles were made of whale oil to ensure their burning for the longest possible time." Image Size: 11.75 x 9.25 in. Overall Size: 14 x 12 in. Unframed. (B15785)