Late 20th Century Chinese Tang-Style Patinated Metal Horse Sculpture on Black Plinth

Details

Description

A late twentieth-century Chinese Tang Dynasty-style decorative horse sculpture, circa 1970–1999, cast in patinated metal and mounted on a rectangular … Read more A late twentieth-century Chinese Tang Dynasty-style decorative horse sculpture, circa 1970–1999, cast in patinated metal and mounted on a rectangular black display plinth. The figure deliberately references the equestrian imagery and ceremonial horse forms associated with China's Tang dynasty while remaining a modern historicist reproduction rather than an archaeological or period Tang object.

The horse is modelled standing with one foreleg raised, its substantial body, arched neck and relatively small head combined with elaborate ceremonial tack. The saddle blanket is worked with raised geometric and foliate motifs, while breast straps, harness elements and additional incised or relief decoration extend across the body. The surface combines a warm brown to bronze-toned finish with green verdigris-type patination concentrated within recessed ornament.

The decorative treatment is intentionally graphic, with repeated patterns and contrasting patination used to articulate the saddle, tack and modelling. The black rectangular plinth forms part of the modern presentation and provides a restrained base beneath the richly worked figure.

The sculpture is catalogued as patinated cast metal with a bronze-coloured finish. The precise alloy has not been physically verified, and no claim of solid bronze is made. The substantial 5.9 lb weight is consistent with cast-metal construction but is not sufficient by itself to distinguish bronze, brass, iron or another alloy.

No maker's mark or manufacturer attribution has been established. The piece was acquired from a Northern California collection; earlier provenance is unknown.

Measurements: 10 in H × 10.5 in W × 4.25 in D

Weight: 5.9 lb

Style: Tang Dynasty Revival, Asian Reproduction, Chinese

Origin: China

Age: Circa 1970–1999 See less