Year of the Horse

Happy Chinese New Year!! The year of the horse is upon us (2026)
Throughout the millennia, the Chinese have revered the horse, a brother to the dragon,as a messenger to the gods, and one of the greatest symbols of sophistication and status in everyday life.
Through the ages in China, the “celestial horse” was a well-regarded theme and subject in pictorial fine arts and sculpture. Its depiction was particularly important in works which were to accompany an individual in the afterlife. In the Tang dynasty (618-906 CE), one of China’s Golden Ages, an individual of any means had at a minimum a pair of horses as part of their afterlife procession. And, a 1000 years earlier, during another of China’s golden ages, the Han Dynasty (202BCE-220CE) equine sculptures of massive sizes and creativity appear to have been a necessity for much of China’s aristocratic celestial voyage.
However, prior to, between, and post these historically important Dynasties, equine appreciation was also a central theme in the cultural and artistic expression
of the respective eras. And, irrespective of the delightful variety found in these historical periods, in different geographical areas within the Empire, unique stylisations were created to conform to
local beliefs.
In the selection of horses and related materials offered here this phenomenon of distinct stylizations attributable to different eras and areas in Chinese history should become readily apparent. There is an immense and fascinating amount of archaeological information confirming
the importance of the horse and its attendant fittings and corresponding artifacts. And, we would be glad to discuss any and all questions and hypotheses that you ,our viewers , wish to share.

Please enjoy!!