During the Tang Dynasty, horses were
revered creature, considered relatives of the
mythical dragon. This veneration was well
earned, for the speed and stamina of these
majestic animals ensured the protection of
the northern borders against barbarian
invaders as well as enhancing
communication capabilities between far
away provinces, thereby aiding in the
expansion of the empire. The need to import
horses from Central Asia influenced the
creation of the Silk Road. Thus, they were
also prized for their rarity. Naturally then,
horses became a status symbol for the
aristocratic elite. Polo and other equestrian
activities were popular pastimes. This
sculpture, depicting a hooded man riding on
the back of a white steed, reveals this
connection between nobility and the horse.
His cloak still retains a majority of its original
white pigment, highlighted with red stripes.
The horse’s harnesses are also represented
by strokes of black paint while his nose and
mouth are enhanced by vibrant red. We can
imagine this rider marching with his steed in
part of an important ceremony. A hole in his
right hand suggests that he was once
carrying a staff or spear that has long since
deteriorated over the centuries. Discovered
buried inside a tomb, this work was
supposed to accompany the deceased
throughout the afterlife. The striking beauty
of this work is even more impressive,
considering that it was created specifically
for interment 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.
- (H.970)
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