The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this  More »

The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this majestic creature. Their rapid mobility enabled quick correspondence between far away provinces, allowing the establishment of a centralized power. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The influence of the horse on the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. Believed to be relatives of mythological dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status, horses were glorified and revered in sculpture, painting, and literature. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese imported stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol ponies) eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. In ancient China, owning a horse required wealth and status. Eventually, they became signs of one's social standing. Equestrian activities such as polo further encouraged the indulgence of the wealthy few who owned horses. This terracotta sculpture of a horse captures the bold lines and strong muscularity of the horse. During the Han Dynasty, the horse was rendered in miniature sculptural form specifically in order to be interred with the dead. It was believed that the sculpted version could assume the powers of its living counterpart in the afterlife and assist the deceased in the dangerous journey to the next world. This custom catered to the needs of a particular belief system regarding life after death and the spiritual world. Not only is this sculpture an ancient answer to an eternal question that continues to plague us even today, but it is also a stunning work of art of tremendous historical and cultural significance. - (H.731)   « Less

The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this  More »

The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this majestic creature. Their rapid mobility enabled quick correspondence between far away provinces, allowing the establishment of a centralized power. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The influence of the horse on the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. Believed to be relatives of mythological dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status, horses were glorified and revered in sculpture, painting, and literature. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese imported stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol ponies) eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. In ancient China, owning a horse required wealth and status. Eventually, they became signs of one's social standing. Equestrian activities such as polo further encouraged the indulgence of the wealthy few who owned horses. This terracotta sculpture of a horse captures the bold lines and strong muscularity of the horse. During the Han Dynasty, the horse was rendered in miniature sculptural form specifically in order to be interred with the dead. It was believed that the sculpted version could assume the powers of its living counterpart in the afterlife and assist the deceased in the dangerous journey to the next world. This custom catered to the needs of a particular belief system regarding life after death and the spiritual world. Not only is this sculpture an ancient answer to an eternal question that continues to plague us even today, but it is also a stunning work of art of tremendous historical and cultural significance. - (H.732)   « Less

The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this  More »

The impact of the horse on the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to this majestic creature. Their rapid mobility enabled quick correspondence between far away provinces, allowing the establishment of a centralized power. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The influence of the horse on the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. Believed to be relatives of mythological dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status, horses were glorified and revered in sculpture, painting, and literature. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese imported stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol ponies) eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. In ancient China, owning a horse required wealth and status. Eventually, they became signs of one's social standing. Equestrian activities such as polo further encouraged the indulgence of the wealthy few who owned horses. This terracotta sculpture of a horse captures the bold lines and strong muscularity of the horse. During the Han Dynasty, the horse was rendered in miniature sculptural form specifically in order to be interred with the dead. It was believed that the sculpted version could assume the powers of its living counterpart in the afterlife and assist the deceased in the dangerous journey to the next world. This custom catered to the needs of a particular belief system regarding life after death and the spiritual world. Not only is this sculpture an ancient answer to an eternal question that continues to plague us even today, but it is also a stunning work of art of tremendous historical and cultural significance. - (H.733)   « Less

The most magnificent horses, immortalised in Chinese literature and the visual arts, were the Ferghana horses introduced into central China from the west and first mentioned  More »

The most magnificent horses, immortalised in Chinese literature and the visual arts, were the Ferghana horses introduced into central China from the west and first mentioned by Han Wudi’s envoy, Zhang Qian during his campaign against the Xiongnu in Central Asia. These so-called 'celestial' horses, sometimes called 'blood-sweating' horses, were known for their speed, power and stamina. It was these horses that the Chinese armies needed to challenge the cavalry of the barbarian tribes who attacked the western and northern borders of the empire. The Han dynasty Emperor Wudi (r. 141-87 BC) therefore ordered a costly expedition to Ferghana (part of modern Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyztan) to obtain these remarkable horses. Such horses then provided the inspiration for the large, spirited, prancing Han dynasty earthenware burial horse depictions.Significantly, the first of the Eight Trigrams of Chinese divination is linked to the horse. According to Chinese mythology the trigrams (symbols made up of three lines, broken or unbroken) were devised by the legendary Emperor Fu Xi from the markings on the shell of a tortoise. These trigrams were taken to symbolise the evolution of nature and to represent its cyclical changes. According to the famous Yi Jing or I Ching (Book of Changes, believed to have been compiled 13th-12th century BC), the first trigram of three unbroken lines would represent Heaven, the south, inexhaustible strength and the horse. Many early Chinese writers used real and mythological horses as symbols of strength and endurance and their similitudes must have inspired the creation of beautiful burial mingqi. For instance, the Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas) describes a horse with a white silken body, golden eyes and vermilion mane, called Ji Liang. It proclaims that he who rides upon the 'celestial' horse will live for a thousand years. On the other hand, in his Zi Shuo Si (Miscellaneous Opinions) Han Yu used horses to exemplify admirable qualities, and mentioned horses able to gallop a thousand li (Chinese miles). A young man with strength and endurance could be complimented by being called a qian li zhu (a thousand li colt).It is then not surprising that horses appeared prominently during the Han period in burial contexts, mostly concentrated in the north and south-central areas. The majority of them was painted with pigments and unglazed, being either sculpted or moulded, just like ours. Furthermore, our example almost explicitly seems to be imbued with this celestial connotation, with his fluid abstract swirling decoration on the pelt, evoking the swiftness of a galloping celestial horse. Originally four wooden legs would have been inserted under the belly in the pre-moulded holes and secured with small pegs; also, his tail and ears would have been made of leather and attached in the sunken depressions on the head and back, his vivid look and incredibly refined decoration so intensely capturing the extraordinary beliefs of an era. - (LA.563)   « Less

With earthen residue adhering to its surface, this pottery tomb figure of a horse conveys a sense of liveliness through the curvature of the body and facial expression. Its  More »

With earthen residue adhering to its surface, this pottery tomb figure of a horse conveys a sense of liveliness through the curvature of the body and facial expression. Its gentle smile and lightly defined eyes give the impression of serenity while its solid, shortened body, saddled and assuming a stance of readiness, indicate its utility in battle. Horses were greatly prized during the Han. Expansionist policies coupled with the growing threat of the Xiongnu tribes along the northern borders of China during the Eastern Han necessitated the acquisition of superior horses in order to achieve a peerless military force. After concerted military and political efforts, the Han rulers succeeded in ensuring a supply of superb horses from the region of Fergana to the west of China. Referred to as "celestial horses," this breed of horses captured the imagination of artisans whose depiction of them vary significantly. The exaggerated arch of the neck, prominent forelock that extends out between the ears, and cocked hind leg are characteristic of the portrayal of this horse. However, the thick haunches and stout, sturdy appearance of the body reveal the craftsman sensitive observation to the muscularity of this breed. It is surely a masterpiece of its time. - (H.518a) - (H.518a)   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 100 BC to 100 AD Dimensions: 11.75" (29.8cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Han Medium: Terracotta

Origin: China Circa: 100 BC to 100 AD Dimensions: 11.75" (29.8cm) high Collection: Chinese Art Style: Han Medium: Terracotta   « Less

This stunning piece was excavated from 'Sichuan Province'. - (DL.990)

This stunning piece was excavated from 'Sichuan Province'. - (DL.990)   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 206 BC to 220 AD Dimensions: 11.6" (29.5cm) high x 15" (38.1cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Han Dynasty Medium: Painted Terracotta

Origin: China Circa: 206 BC to 220 AD Dimensions: 11.6" (29.5cm) high x 15" (38.1cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Han Dynasty Medium: Painted Terracotta   « Less

This beautifully rendered Han pottery seated horse represents one of the prized possessions of an elite member of Han society. Elaborate purple scrollwork ripples over the  More »

This beautifully rendered Han pottery seated horse represents one of the prized possessions of an elite member of Han society. Elaborate purple scrollwork ripples over the horse’s white body while faint remnants of a once boldly depicted brown and orange saddle reveal that the work still retains much of its original polychromy. The mouth of this elegant creature is left slightly ajar as if to symbolize movement, expression, and life.Valued for their speed, strength and beauty horses were one of the most admired animals in China. According to Chinese tradition, there existed a horse so powerful and beautiful that it was believed to have come from heaven. In early China, owning a horse required wealth and status and eventually became a sign of one's social standing. Equestrian activities encouraged the indulgence of the select few who privilege enough to own horses. The horse thus became a favorite subject of artists who tried to recreate visual representations of this powerful animal. During the Han Dynasty, the horse was rendered in miniature sculptural form and buried with the deceased in order to aid them during the perilous journey to the afterlife.The elegance and refinement of this Han pottery seated horse transports us back in time to appreciate the beauty and strength of this powerful creature. Such a work is a precious addition to any collection of Chinese Art.- (RP.156)   « Less

The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient expansion 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 expansion of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the horse. The rapid mobility of horse allowed for quick communication between far away provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. 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. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and purple, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a tunic and gray chest armor. He would have originally held a wooden spear or bow in between his hands that has rotted away over the centuries. This remarkable sculpture is a creation of immense cultural and historical significance that attests to the critical role of the horse in ancient Chinese civilization. - (PF.6169)   « Less