The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the horse. Their rapid mobility allowed for quick communication between far away provinces. Similarly, the military role of the horse aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia ultimately led to the creation of the Silk Road.


The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified, revered and believed to be relatives of dragons, a theory which reflected their sacred status within society. During the Tang Dynasty, the adoration of the horse can be seen through their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most splendid and easily recognizable works of Chinese art.


This impressive sculpture of a horse still retains much of its original white pigment in tact. Traces of red are visible inside the nose and on the mouth. Most impressive is the removable saddle which graces the animal’s back. The saddle is painted orange and may have once supported a rider who is now lost to us. This gorgeous sculpture is a testament to the admiration and adoration the Chinese had for this marvelous creature. As much as horses played an integral role in the expansion and defense of the empire, they were equally regarded for their beauty and grace as revealed by this finely rendered sculpture.