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 relatives of 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 sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the 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 white horse, including a green saddle blanket, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted orange tunic and gray chest armor. He would have originally held a wooden 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. - - (RD.022)   « 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 relatives of 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 sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the 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 white horse, including a green saddle blanket, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted orange tunic and gray chest armor. He would have originally held a wooden 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. - - (RD.023)   « 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 relatives of 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 sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the 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 white horse, including a green saddle blanket, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted orange tunic and gray chest armor. He would have originally held a wooden 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. - - (RD.024)   « 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 relatives of 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 sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the 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 white horse, including a green saddle blanket, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted orange tunic and gray chest armor. He would have originally held a wooden 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. - - (RD.025)   « Less

As implied by its short duration, the Northern Qi Dynasty was a turbulent time in the vast history of China. Locusts plagued the lands, ruining the crops. Hunger and ethnic  More »

As implied by its short duration, the Northern Qi Dynasty was a turbulent time in the vast history of China. Locusts plagued the lands, ruining the crops. Hunger and ethnic feuding ravaged the population. This set of ten warriors is a memorial to the only individual that could secure peace and prosperity in such chaotic times. Clearly, none of the turmoil is exhibited in these calm, refined representations of warrior figures. They stand tall, some wearing armor, others dressed in a sleeveless tabard draped over a long-sleeved garment secured at their waist with a band. They wear small, snug caps while those in armor brandish pointed helmets, both typical of this era. Some of the original polychrome paint that once decorated these works is still visibly, most often seen on their faces, shoes, caps, or belts. Originally, these warriors would have brandished weapons inserted into the holes present in their hands. Most likely halberds or spears, these weapons were probably fabricated in a material such as wood that deteriorated over the centuries. This group was discovered entombed together in the grave of an elite member of the Northern Qi nobility. Although they were intended to protect the tomb and ward off any infiltrators, be they robbers or malevolent spirits, these warriors do not repel us; instead, their compelling history and stunning aesthetic beauty attracts us to them. - (H.859)   « Less

This head was excavated from 'Shaanxi Province' - 'Xi'an'. There are not many genuine Northern Wei stone pieces currently in the market. - (DL.991)

This head was excavated from 'Shaanxi Province' - 'Xi'an'. There are not many genuine Northern Wei stone pieces currently in the market. - (DL.991)   « Less

The period of the Northern Wei dynasty was crucial to the development of Buddhist art in China. Prior to this there was a heavy reliance on foreign-derived models, especially  More »

The period of the Northern Wei dynasty was crucial to the development of Buddhist art in China. Prior to this there was a heavy reliance on foreign-derived models, especially from India, the birthplace of Buddhism. During the fifth and sixth centuries Chinese artists began to experiment and produced new styles unique to the region. This was made possible because the Northern Wei dynasty lent its support to the Buddhist faith. The cave sites at Yungang and Longmen attest to the flourishing of Buddhist piety and it has been estimated that by the sixth century there were over 30,000 monasteries in Northern China. Multiple images of the Buddha and his attendants were carved in stone, wood and clay.This rectangular brick tile comes from a large group that probably formed the interior wall of a religious foundation or shrine. It is moulded from a dark grey clay that was fired and then painted. The image of a standing Buddha is carved in low relief within a rectangular frame. Traces of the original red pigment are still visible in the niche. A circular mandorla frames the head which displays a large ushnisha, symbolic of the Buddha’s spiritual wisdom. The drapery covers both shoulders and in arranged in semi-circular pleats. The left hand holds an unidentifiable object and the right is raised in the gesture of preaching. Considerable care has been taken to illustrate the width of the sleeve at the Buddha’s right elbow. It is unusual for such architectural fragments to survive from such an early period and it will appeal to all those fascinated by the history of Buddhism. - (AM.0238)   « Less

Origin: China Circa: 386 AD to 534 AD Dimensions: 12.5" (31.8cm) high x 6.25 " (15.9cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Northern Wei Dynasty Medium: Clay

Origin: China Circa: 386 AD to 534 AD Dimensions: 12.5" (31.8cm) high x 6.25 " (15.9cm) wide Collection: Chinese Art Style: Northern Wei Dynasty Medium: Clay   « Less

The period of the Northern Wei dynasty was crucial to the development of Buddhist art in China. Prior to this there was a heavy reliance on foreign-derived models, especially  More »

The period of the Northern Wei dynasty was crucial to the development of Buddhist art in China. Prior to this there was a heavy reliance on foreign-derived models, especially from India, the birthplace of Buddhism. During the fifth and sixth centuries Chinese artists began to experiment and produced new styles unique to the region. This was made possible because the Northern Wei dynasty lent its support to the Buddhist faith. The cave sites at Yungang and Longmen attest to the flourishing of Buddhist piety and it has been estimated that by the sixth century there were over 30,000 monasteries in Northern China. Multiple images of the Buddha and his attendants were carved in stone, wood and clay.This rectangular brick tile comes from a large group that probably formed the interior wall of a religious foundation or shrine. It is moulded from a dark grey clay that was fired and then painted. Traces of the original red pigment are still visible in the niche. The image of a Buddha, seated on a bench, is carved in low relief. The leaf-shaped mandorla is echoed by the shape of the top of the niche. The Buddha’s right hand is raised in the gesture of reassurance whilst the left rests upon his knee. The legs are crossed and the ‘x’ shape is reflected in the arrangement of the scarf draped behind the neck and across the torso. It is unusual for such architectural fragments to survive from such an early period and it will appeal to all those fascinated by the history of Buddhism. - (AM.0240)   « Less

The period of the Northern Wei dynasty was crucial to the development of Buddhist art in China. Prior to this there was a heavy reliance on foreign-derived models, especially  More »

The period of the Northern Wei dynasty was crucial to the development of Buddhist art in China. Prior to this there was a heavy reliance on foreign-derived models, especially from India, the birthplace of Buddhism. During the fifth and sixth centuries Chinese artists began to experiment and produced new styles unique to the region. This was made possible because the Northern Wei dynasty lent its support to the Buddhist faith. The cave sites at Yungang and Longmen attest to the flourishing of Buddhist piety and it has been estimated that by the sixth century there were over 30,000 monasteries in Northern China. Multiple images of the Buddha and his attendants were carved in stone, wood and clay.This rectangular brick tile comes from a large group that probably formed the interior wall of a religious foundation or shrine. It is moulded from a dark grey clay that was fired and then painted. Traces of the original red pigment are still visible in the niche. The image of a standing Buddha is carved in low relief. The leaf-shaped mandorla is echoed by the shape of the top of the niche. The hand gesture symbolises charity. It is unusual for this type of architectural fragment to survive from such an early period and it will appeal to all those fascinated by the history of Buddhism. - (AM.0241)   « Less