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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)
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