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Chinese Bronze Horse on Flying Swallow Sculpture on Carved Wood Base

$375
£285.83
€329.68
CA$532.61
A$572.35
CHF 307.10
MX$6,741.91
NOK 3,861.41
SEK 3,527.38
DKK 2,463.87

About the Item

Vintage bronze sculpture features a galloping horse stepping on a flying bird, with prominent green verdigris patina on highly detailed cast. The sculpture is a replica of the Flying Horse of Gansu, also known as the Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow, probably made in 1970s. The figurine has fitted carved wood base on rounded feet; the natural warm tones of the wood bring out the beautiful patina colors, enhancing the presentation. The original bronze sculpture, dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), was discovered in 1969 in a Han dynasty tomb in Gansu Province, China. It is described as "perfectly balanced on the one hoof which rests without pressure on a flying swallow, it is a remarkable example of three-dimensional form and of animal portraiture with the head vividly expressing mettlesome vigor." It was determined that the tomb belonged to an army general who had been given the important task of maintaining imperial frontier defenses. The horse is believed to be a "celestial horse" or "blood-sweating horse", a Mongolian breed brought to China from Fergana on emperor's orders in 104 BCE, that was highly prized as mark of status by the Han elite and military society. The sculpture was exhibited internationally in the 1970s to a great success, but in 2002 it was included the Gansu Flying Horse in the inaugural list of 64 grade-one cultural relics that are forbidden to be taken out of mainland China for exhibition. The sculpture is not marked; we are offering a similar Han horse figurine (without the carved base) that is marked with "Made in Hong Kong" foil sticker in another listing. The sculpture is in very good vintage condition, and is ready to be displayed. The sculpture measures 5.5" high when displayed by itself, and 7" - when mounted on the wooden base. Due to convenient size, the figurine can be used either as a standalone piece, or as a part of shelf, coffee table, desk, or fireplace mantel decor; it would make a great gift to a collector or a design enthusiast and complement various interiors, from Traditional to Victorian, Modern, Eclectic, English Cottage, Chinoiserie, Contemporary, or Collected.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7 in (17.78 cm)Width: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Depth: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)
  • Style:
    Chinoiserie (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Wood,Cast,Hand-Crafted,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Clifton Springs, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4421148349442

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