A unique and charming pair of Chinese lead sculptures of recumbent, pregnant mares
The horse, being the brother of the dragon, possessed talismanic powers and was revered and glorified for various reasons. This distinctive pair was probably fashioned to ensure the continuation of horses in the afterlife. However, the concept of the recumbent pregnant mare sculpture, as well as the medium used, appears to have been unique to a specific individual’s request.
A unique and charming pair of Chinese lead sculptures of recumbent, pregnant mares
The horse, being the brother of the dragon, possessed talismanic powers and was revered and glorified for various reasons. This distinctive pair was probably fashioned to ensure the continuation of horses in the afterlife. However, the concept of the recumbent pregnant mare sculpture, as well as the medium used, appears to have been unique to a specific individual’s request.
Item # 6
Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 700 CE)
Medium: Lead
Subject: Horses
Size: 13 ½” – 14” L
Metallurgical Mineralogical, Microscopic, and Metallographic examinations, with XRD analysis, available
