Horses--the are the military preparedness of the state. If heaven takes this preparedness away, the state will be imperiled.



-Fro an Official History of the Tang





The great influence of the horse throughout th history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the expansion of the Chinese Empire was in large part due to th rapid mobility of horses, providing quick communication between far awa provinces.  Likewise, the militar role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as oppose to the native Mongol pony) led to the establishment of the Silk Road. The importance of the horse can be seen, in part, through the artisti legacy of this great civilization.  I sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered, though to be relatives of mythological dragons.  Durin the Tang Dynasty, the adoration of the horse was materialized in their buria art.  Horse models excavated fro mausoleums of the period are among the most splendid and easily recognizabl works of Chinese art.  This elegan horse is a perfect example of the mastery of Tang funerary art. Coated in a simplistic yet stunning crème/white glaze, with touches o amber highlighting the saddle, head and hooves, this horse stands on all four with its head slightly turned and mouth ajar, two features highly desired b collectors.  The refined molding of this sculpture captures the power an grace of this majestic creature.  Thi elegant sculpture attests to both the revered status of the horse as well as th artistic skills of Tang artists.