For the first time ever, Taiwan museum goers will get a first-hand look at the colored pottery figures of nearly two thousand years ago.

The mainland's ancient figurines of the Western Han Dynasty will be displayed at the Taipei Museum of History beginning this weekend.

261 pieces from the Hanyang Tomb will be on hand for the three month exhibition. All have been airlifted from Xi'an to Taipei in specially packed containers. Insurance of the exhibits has reached 18 million US dollars.

The curator says the national treasures have been placed in a special room that controls the temperature and humidity.

Eight years ago, the terra-cotta warriors of China's first emperor Qinshihuang, made quite a stir when they arrived at Taipei's Museum of History. But this time, the pottery figures are only one third of the size of the terra-cotta warriors.

The unearthed pieces are made up of government officials, warriors, and male and female aides who accompanied Emperor Liu Qi and his queen.

The expressions on the face of the Qin warriors are serious as if they were preparing for war. While those on the figurines from the Han dynasty are happy, reflecting a period of abundance.

Source: CCTV.com