Antiques M.S. Rau | Tang Dynasty Striding Horse

Hailing From The Illustrious Tang Dynasty Of China, This Rare Large Earthenware Sculpture Depicts A Striding Horse. The Powerful Tang Dynasty Reigned For Nearly 300 Years Between The 7Th And 10Th Centuries Ce And Oversaw A Cultural And Artistic “Golden Age” In Chinese Civilization. Warm Terracotta Hues Color The Horse’S Flanks And Legs, Indicating The Sculpture Was Once Beautifully Pigmented, And The Whinnying Equine Bears A Saddle On His Back.

Horses Held A Special Significance In Tang China, In Part Due To A Particular Affection Of The Second Tang Ruler, Emperor Taizong. He Was Deeply Devoted To His Beloved Horse “Autumn Dew,” Who He Credited With Saving His Life During A Pivotal Battle To Unify China Under The Emperor’S Reign. Horses’ Continued Importance In Tang Expansion And Military Might Made The Animal A Strong Symbol Of Imperial Power And Wealth.

A Sign Of Prestige And Wealth, The Horse Is A Form Of Funerary Sculpture Known As Mingqi.Tang Dynasty Mingqi Reflect A Harmonious Blend Of Han Chinese Traditions And External Cultural Influences Arriving To China Through The Silk Road. More Than A Facilitator Of Global Commercial Transactions, The Silk Road Served As A Network For Cultural Exchange Between East Asia, Central Asia, The Middle East And Beyond. Along Its Routes, Travelers And Merchants From Disparate Cultures Encountered One Another, Fostering The Exchange Of Ideas, Philosophies, Art Forms And Scientific Knowledge. Mingqi Sculptures Such As These Were Intended To Accompany And Serve The Deceased In The Afterlife, And Frequently Depict Guardian Figures And The Pack Animals That Facilitated Travel And Trade In The Ever-Expanding World.

Circa 7Th-10Th Century Ce

30 3/8″ High X 28 1/2″ Wide X 10″ Deep