CHINESE HAN DYNASTY SICHUAN PRANCING HORSE

Chinese, Han Dynasty. A massive horse showing sharp modeling, open mouth, bulging eyes, clipped mane, upright tail and long neck of this impressive example. This spirited horse, a blend of ideal and real in its modeling, captures thespirit of the fabled "celestial horses" of the Han (206 B.C.-A.D. 220). Brought into China from central Asia during the second century B.C., the new breed, larger and stronger and faster than native horses, rapidly became the image of powerand prestige during the Han Dynasty. Horse sculptures such as this were an important element in well-furnished aristocratic tombs. Approx. h. 45" w. 38" d. 12". Provenance: From the Private Collection of Morton & Kathleen Sachs ofLouisville, Kentucky, purchased from TK Asian Antiquities (Williamsburg, VA) in 2000 or 2001 for $18,150.
Condition Report: Surface losses commensurate with age and use, right ear has notable surface losses, stable crack to front right leg that sits on lucite.