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Tang Dynasty Striding Horse
- This rare earthenware horse was created during the illustrious Tang Dynasty of China
- Known as mingqi, the sculpture would have been buried with a wealthy deceased elite
- Horses held a special cultural significance in Tang China
- The whinnying equine already bears a saddle for its new master in the next world
- Get complete item description here
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Horses held a special. . .
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
| Origin: | China |
| Type: | Figurines/Statuettes |
| Depth: | 10.0 in. (25.4 cm) |
| Width: | 28.5 in. (72.39 cm) |
| Height: | 30.38 in. (77.15 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
