Ancient Chinese Han Dynasty Monumental Mingqi Horse Terracotta Sculpture

Details

Description

A massive ancient Chinese burial horse on a custom stand with a sturdy metal plinth base. This beautiful horse sculpture, … Read more A massive ancient Chinese burial horse on a custom stand with a sturdy metal plinth base. This beautiful horse sculpture, which is from a Sichuan Province tomb, was an important element in well-furnished aristocratic burials. Mingqi refers to funerary objects interred in Chinese tombs to provide the deceased with material comforts in the afterlife. 

This horse sculpture is an impressive example of the spirited and fabled so-called "celestial horses” brought into China from central Asia during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 (A.D.). They were larger, stronger and faster than native horses and quickly became the image of power and prestige. These majestic creatures played a huge role in the ancient unification and expansion of the Chinese Empire. This sculpture has a muscular body, slightly raised right foreleg, bulging eyes, open mouth, clipped mane, short upright tail and powerful arching neck.

Provenance: This specimen was owned by a Hong Kong collector who sold it to a New York buyer in 1997 through Honeychurch Antiques for $48,000. It was age-tested by two independent laboratories, which dated it at approximately 1,550 to 1,930 years old.

Product Information:
Materials: Terracotta, Metal
Dimensions: 44ʺ W × 18ʺ D × 63.5ʺ H (with base); 44” W × 14ʺ D × 50.5ʺ H (statute only)
Style: Chinese
Condition: Very good antique condition. Surface wear consistent with age and use. Structurally sound. Small crack below the left ear.
Shipping: $2,000.00 (to continental U.S.)

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