Li Qingfa (Chinese, B. 1954) and Jiang Weijie (Chinese, 20th C.) "Terra Cotta Warriors - General Figure" 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. S6 Terracotta Warriors stamp issued November 19, 1997. Although Qin Shi Huang's rule over a unified China lasted just over a decade, he nevertheless implemented sweeping changes that distinguished his dynasty and made China a unified nation. By eliminating the centuries-old feudal system and establishing a centralized empire, he essentially altered the political and social structure of the state. Qin Shi Huang codified the laws, standardized not only the nation's weights and measures, but the system for writing Chinese characters, so that written language could be understood throughout China. To make sure that food and other essential items were dispersed to all parts of his empire, the emperor developed a remarkable network of roads radiating from the capital. He standardized the axle lengths of wagons and chariots so vehicles could travel in the same ruts, and he ordered the creation of a series of canals that would become the greatest inland water-communications system the world had ever seen. Some of these canals are being used to this day, and one can still travel from north to south by water. In addition, Qin Shi Huang restored wastelands, allowing for the cultivation of crops, and introduced irrigation systems, many of which are still in use today. But perhaps his most famous and enduring accomplishment was the building of the Great Wall, a winding, 1,500-mile long fortification designed to protect China from northern nomads. Image Size: 11.25 x 10 in. Overall Size: 14 x 12 in. Unframed. (B15784)