The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the  More »

The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the horse. Their rapid mobility allowed for quick communication between far away provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol pony) led to the creation of the Silk Road. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered, believed to be relatives of dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status within society. During the Tang Dynasty, the adoration of the horse can be seen through their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most splendid and easily recognizable works of Chinese art.This gorgeous example still retains much of its original red polychromy and the white saddle is delicately incised. The horse raises one leg in the air as he turns his head to the side. Both these features are sought after by collectors. This elegant sculpture is a testament to the admiration and adoration the Chinese had for these marvelous creatures. Although they were an integral part in the expansion and defense of the empire, they were equally regarded for their beauty and grace as revealed by this sculpture. - (DL.2086)   « Less

The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the  More »

The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the horse. Their rapid mobility allowed for quick communication between far away provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol pony) led to the creation of the Silk Road. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered, believed to be relatives of dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status within society. During the Tang Dynasty, the adoration of the horse can be seen through their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most splendid and easily recognizable works of Chinese art.This charming sculpture of a horse still retains much of its original white pigment intact. The orange painted saddle has been carefully incised to create a more realistic texture. Equally impressive is the fact that the saddle has been separately crafted; it may once have supported a rider who is now lost to us. The animal’s large eyes and friendly countenance have been expertly captured by the sculptor. This gorgeous horse is a testament to the admiration and adoration the Chinese had for these marvelous creatures. Although they were an integral part in the expansion and defence of the empire, they were equally regarded for their beauty and grace as revealed by this sculpture - (DL.2087)   « Less

The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the  More »

The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the horse. Their rapid mobility allowed for quick communication between far away provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol pony) led to the creation of the Silk Road. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered, believed to be relatives of dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status within society. During the Tang Dynasty, the adoration of the horse can be seen through their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most splendid and easily recognizable works of Chinese art.This work is remarkable for the amount of the original pigment that has survived the ravages of time, specifically apparent on the orange saddle and black reins. Equally impressive is the fact that the saddle has been separately crafted; it may once have supported a rider who is now lost to us. This gorgeous sculpture is a testament to the admiration and adoration the Chinese had for these marvelous creatures. Although they were an integral part in the expansion and defense of the empire, they were equally regarded for their beauty and grace as revealed by this sculpture. - (DL.2088)   « Less

The overextension of the labor force during the Qin Dynasty would result in a popular uprising against the empire. In 206 B.C., Liu Bang, a Qin official, led an army composed  More »

The overextension of the labor force during the Qin Dynasty would result in a popular uprising against the empire. In 206 B.C., Liu Bang, a Qin official, led an army composed of peasants and some lower nobility to victory and established his own dynasty in place, the Han. However, unlike the Qin, the Han would unify China and rule virtually uncontested for over four hundred years. It is during this time that much of what is now considered to be Chinese culture was first actualized. The bureaucracy started under the Qin was now firmly established. The vast lands of China were now under the firm grip of a central authority. Confucianism became the state ideology although the worship of Taoist deity remained widespread, both among the peasants and the aristocracy. Ancient histories and texts were analyzed and rewritten to be more objective while new legendary myths and cultural epics were transcribed.The Han era can also be characterized as one of the greatest artistic outpourings in Chinese history, easily on par with the glories of their Western contemporaries, Greece and Rome. Wealth, pouring into China from trade along the Silk Road, initiated a period of unprecedented luxury. Stunning bronze vessels were created, decorated with elegant inlaid gold and silver motifs. Jade carvings reached a new level of technical brilliance. But perhaps the artistic revival of the Han Dynasty is nowhere better represented than in their sculptures and vessels that were interred with deceased nobles. Called mingqi, literally meaning “spirit articles,” these works depicted a vast array of subject, from warriors and horses to ovens and livestock, which were buried alongside the dead for use in the next world, reflecting the Chinese belief that the afterlife was an extension of our earthly existence. Thus, quite logically, the things we require to sustain and nurture our bodies in this life would be just as necessary in our next life.During the Han Dynasty, sculptural effigies of animals were often interred in the tombs of elite members of the social hierarchy. These sculptures were intended to accompany the spirit of the deceased. This sculpture of a bull is remarkable for its massive size. The Han culture believed that the afterlife was a continuation of our earthly existence. Thus, logically, as humans require food to nourish our bodies on earth, so too will we require food to nourish our souls in the afterlife. Originally, this sculpture featured removable horns and a tail that, unfortunately, have been lost to us over time. However, even in this incomplete state, the evocative nature of this sculpture is uncanny. The charming facial structure of this bull is so naturalistic that one feels the presence of the animal possessing this sculpture. Created to serve as food for the afterlife, this work is more than a mere sculpture; it is a gorgeous memorial to the religious and philosophical beliefs of the Han Dynasty. - (DL.2090)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual's social rank. In spite of  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual's social rank. In spite of the limitations, a striking variety of tomb furnishings, known as mingqi, have been excavated. Entire retinues of ceramic figures - animals, entertainers, musicians, guardians - were buried with the dead in order to provide for the afterlife. Of the various types of mingqi, there is perhaps none more charming than the beautiful sculptures of elegant female courtiers, sometimes known as “Fat Ladies” for their fleshy faces. These gorgeous women reflect the appreciation of the female form during the Tang Dynasty. Such courtiers are described in the numerous love poems written during this era, considered a golden age of Chinese culture.In these examples, the ladies-in-waiting are depicted on horseback. Considerable traces of the original polychromy survive, in particular a dark pigment has been used to indicate the saddle and the reins. The high status of the riders is indicated by the delicate floral motifs which adorn their long-sleeved dresses. Their hair is fashionably arranged in two different styles. Such women may represent wives, princesses, or attendants. Their beauty inspires us as we are transported back to another time. These gorgeous sculptures have been to the next world and returned to our modern era to tell us their tale. They speak of the enormous wealth and sophisticated culture of the Tang Dynasty, one of the greatest periods of artistic creation in human history. - (DL.2093)   « Less

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be over-estimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to  More »

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be over-estimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to the horse. The rapid mobility of horses allowed for enhanced communication between distant provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses facilitated the conquest and submission of other lands as well as securing the borders against barbarian invaders. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the local Mongol pony) contributed to the creation of trading routes along what became known as the Silk Road. The significance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting and literature, horses are frequently glorified and revered as distant relatives of sacred, mythological dragons.During the Tang dynasty the adoration of the horse is evident in their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most celebrated and splendid works of Chinese art. Naturally, owing to their rarity, horses became a status symbol for the aristocratic elite. Polo and other equestrian pastimes became popular. These sculptures depicting three ladies-in-waiting on horseback are remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, in each case, the lady and saddle detach from the body of the horse in one piece. Small traces of the original polychromy remain, most visibly on the ladies’ red lips. They each wear a long sleeved dress, a type of which was used in a popular dance where the excess of fabric was swirled around in the air. Unusually, each horse is depicted with its head raised, ears upright, and nostrils flaring. They intimidate us with their open mouths and visible teeth. Remarkably, the women seem unaffected by whatever has startled their steeds and they retain their dignified pose. - (DL.2095)   « Less

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to  More »

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to the horse. The rapid mobility of horses allowed for enhanced communication between distant provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses facilitated the conquest and submission of other lands as well as securing the borders against barbarian invaders. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the local Mongol pony) contributed to the creation of trading routes along what became known as the Silk Road. The significance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting and literature, horses are frequently glorified and revered as distant relatives of sacred, mythological dragons.During the Tang dynasty the adoration of the horse is evident in their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most celebrated and splendid works of Chinese art. Naturally, owing to their rarity, horses became a status symbol for the aristocratic elite. Polo and other equestrian pastimes became popular. This sculpture depicting a lady-in-waiting on horseback is remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, the lady and saddle detach from the body of the horse in one piece. Small traces of the original polychromy remain, most visibly on the lady’s red lips. She wears a long sleeved dress, a type of which was used in a popular dance where the lady swirls the excess of fabric around in the air. Unusually, the horse is depicted with its head raised, ears upright, and nostrils flaring. It intimidates us with its open mouth and visible teeth. Remarkably the lady-in-waiting seems unaffected by whatever has startled her steed and retains her dignified pose.The majority of Tang horses were produced to accompany the deceased throughout the afterlife. The striking beauty of this work is even more impressive considering that it was created specifically for internment and was not supposed to be seen by the living. Today, we marvel in the beauty of this sculpture as much as its tremendous history and intriguing legacy. - (DL.2096)   « Less

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to  More »

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to the horse. The rapid mobility of horses allowed for enhanced communication between distant provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses facilitated the conquest and submission of other lands as well as securing the borders against barbarian invaders. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the local Mongol pony) contributed to the creation of trading routes along what became known as the Silk Road. The significance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting and literature, horses are frequently glorified and revered as distant relatives of sacred, mythological dragons.During the Tang dynasty the adoration of the horse is evident in their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most celebrated and splendid works of Chinese art. Naturally, owing to their rarity, horses became a status symbol for the aristocratic elite. Polo and other equestrian pastimes became popular. This sculpture depicting a lady-in-waiting on horseback is remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, the lady and saddle detach from the body of the horse in one piece. Small traces of the original polychromy remain, most visibly on the lady’s red lips. She wears a long sleeved dress, a type of which was used in a popular dance where the lady swirls the excess of fabric around in the air. Unusually, the horse is depicted with its head raised, ears upright, and nostrils flaring. It intimidates us with its open mouth and visible teeth. Remarkably the lady-in-waiting seems unaffected by whatever has startled her steed and retains her dignified pose.The majority of Tang horses were produced to accompany the deceased throughout the afterlife. The striking beauty of this work is even more impressive considering that it was created specifically for internment and was not supposed to be seen by the living. Today, we marvel in the beauty of this sculpture as much as its tremendous history and intriguing legacy. - (DL.2097)   « Less

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to  More »

The important influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in a large part to the horse. The rapid mobility of horses allowed for enhanced communication between distant provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses facilitated the conquest and submission of other lands as well as securing the borders against barbarian invaders. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the local Mongol pony) contributed to the creation of trading routes along what became known as the Silk Road. The significance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilisation. In sculpture, painting and literature, horses are frequently glorified and revered as distant relatives of sacred, mythological dragons.During the Tang dynasty the adoration of the horse is evident in their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most celebrated and splendid works of Chinese art. Naturally, owing to their rarity, horses became a status symbol for the aristocratic elite. Polo and other equestrian pastimes became popular. This sculpture, depicting a lady-in-waiting on horseback, is remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, the lady and saddle detach from the body of the horse in one piece. Small traces of the original polychromy remain, most visibly on the lady’s red lips. She wears a long sleeved dress, a type of which was used in a popular dance where the lady swirls the excess of fabric around in the air. Unusually, the horse is depicted with its head raised, ears upright, and nostrils flaring. It intimidates us with its open mouth and visible teeth. Remarkably the lady-in-waiting seems unaffected by whatever has startled her steed and retains her dignified pose.The majority of Tang horses were produced to accompany the deceased throughout the afterlife. The striking beauty of this work is even more impressive, considering that it was created specifically for internment and was not supposed to be seen by the living. Today, we marvel in the beauty of this sculpture as much as its tremendous history and intriguing legacy. - (DL.2098)   « Less

This elegant bronze vessel was made during arguably one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. The Shang (or Yin) was based in northern China, lasted for over  More »

This elegant bronze vessel was made during arguably one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. The Shang (or Yin) was based in northern China, lasted for over 500 years, and ended in 1046 BC. The first non-mythical dynasty, it was preceded by the semi-legendary Xia dynasty (2100-1600 BC), and followed by the Zhou dynasty. It is highly important to historians of ancient China for the large amount of historical information recorded on “oracle bones”, although more recent dynasties also recorded a great deal about it. It was in this period that real cultural coalescence was reached, with considerable achievements in politics, economy, culture, religion, geography, astronomy, calendar, art and medicine.The comparatively small amount of information available in written documents – especially compared with that of later dynasties – makes social interpretations difficult; even the existence of the dynasty itself was in question until written records proving it were uncovered at Anyang. What is apparent is that the Bronze-Age polities of the time were highly warlike, with considerable defence architecture as well as monumental architecture and social complexity/stratification indicated through varying grave wealth.One of the most important industries of the time was that of bronze casting, as Chinese craftsmen were unchallenged world leaders in the manipulation of this valuable metal. At this time, only the most socially elevated and wealthy of citizens – usually the royal court – could afford such luxuries, although its use spread until the army too was plentifully equipped with bronze weaponry and accessories such as chariot- fittings. While Xia bronzes do exist, the quality, complexity and decoration did not compare to the bronzes of the Shang dynasty, which were cast in a dazzling array of forms and stages of decoration.The Jue is one of numerous metal vessel forms that were produced; it was designed to be used for wine, although for a more ritual than secular function. The jue is noted for its delicacy and elegance, and ancient examples were already highly prized by collectors during the Song dynasty (10th to 13th centuries AD). There are of course numerous versions of the jue, but this one is unusually complex in terms of construction, and frivolous decoration has been kept to a minimum in order to accentuate the form of the piece.The jue stands on tripod legs formed like broad blades, stemming from the lower one third of an approximately egg-shaped vessel. There is a single handle that leads into the leg with the greatest angular disparity from the pouring spouts (see below). The form of the body narrows superiorly, giving rise to an elaborate double spouted apex that broadens to a flat dished spatulate surface on one side, and a deeper, semi-concentric pouring spout on the other. The neck where the latter spout joins the body of the vessel is surmounted by an ornate double-coned decoration. Other than a triple band of detail at the vessel’s narrowest point, the surface of the bronze is unadorned except for the stunning multitonal patina that testifies to the piece’s great age.The ancient Chinese who made and saw this piece would have viewed it as magical. While we may not have this regard, it can certainly be described as a beautifully conceived and executed piece of ancient art. - (AM.145 (LSO))   « Less