We recently found this wonderful representation of a portly Tang Dynasty Bronze Horse.
Its smaller size but unique style make it a versatile and stunning accent to any decor. We are constantly
on the lookout for unusual and distinctive Oriental accent pieces, and this one fits out qualifications. During
the Tang Dynasty, horses were a dominant feature both culturally, socially and militarily, and were often represented
with majestic (and sometimes exaggerated) proportions as in this example.
During the Tang Dynasty, the horse symbolized status and military power. As northerners,
the Tang understood the military importance of the cavalry. Horses enjoyed a special position at court. When the Tang took
power, they owned only 5,000 cavalry horses, but within 50 years that number had grown to 706,000. Each horse was assigned
to a herd of 120 and branded as "flying," "dragon," or "wind" class (war, post, or royal mount, respectively). Consequently,
representations of horses were featured prominently in art of the period. The Tang elite of both sexes enjoyed both
polo and hunting on horseback. And horses were also prevalent as tomb adornments in anyone of status of that period.
The unique piece were are offering here has a small head and legs with very full neck
and portly body. Its "tack" (saddle, etc.) is typical of the period.
Dimensions:
Horse: 8" long
x 4 1/2" high x 4" wide
Base: 8 3/4" x
4 1/2" x 3/4"
Weight:
3 1/2 lbs.
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