Han Animal Sculptures

A twentieth century Han dynasty style white copper recumbent horse with three legs tucked under the body and head slightly turned. The well incised man...

This pottery figurine is sculpted to show the strong, bold line and muscularity of the horse. Once part of an assembled set, this horse bears the characteristics associated with the famed Heavenly Horse of Fergana. Its long muscular neck, arched mane, stylistically curved snout, flared nostrils and gaping mouth depict a horse of regal origin. The figurine is painted in white pigment with designs representing saddle and bridle painted on. Blue and red swirled sashes and ribbons are drawn onto the body, complimenting the animal's own natural beauty and grace. No A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this item. Han Dynasty (206BC - 220AD) Measures: Height 9 inches Width 12 inches Depth 3.5 Condition: Excellent for age. No Damage or repairs detected. We are dedicated to providing an exclusive curated collection of Fine Arts, Paintings, Bronzes, Asian treasures, Art Glass and Antiques. Our inventory represents time-tested investment quality items with everlasting decorative beauty. We look forward to your business and appreciate any reasonable offers. All of our curated items are vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. We only deals in original antiques and never reproductions. We stand behind our treasures with a full money back return policy if the items are not as described. Valued for its speed, strength and beauty, the horse has been one of the most admired animals in China. The horse has enabled man to swiftly transport massive armies into distant and neighboring territories in order to secure vast wealth and land. According to lore, there existed a horse so powerful and beautiful that it was believed to be bequeathed from heaven. In early China, owning a horse required wealth and status, eventually becoming as a sign of one's social standing. Equestrian activities only encourage the indulgence of the wealthy few who owned horses. Naturally in Chinese art, the horse became a favorite subject of artists who try to create visual representations of the animal that capture both its vitality and presence. During the Han Dynasty, the horse was rendered in miniature sculptural form to be interred with the dead. It was believed that the animal could assume its powers and assist the deceased in the dangerous journey to the other world. This custom answered to the needs of a particular belief system regarding life after death and the spiritual world. Please also consider Avantique’s antique and ancient Asian Art Collection of Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, Qing, and Republic period items to complete your home and office decorations...

A majestic and nobly-proportioned Six Dynasties (220 AD – 589 AD) pottery model of a prancing horse. Similar to early tang horses, this figure is strong and simple. The animal is caught mid-motion, one leg bent, head held high and directed forward, standing on a plinth and wearing a saddle. The body is elegantly shaped, with beautiful slender musculature. The head is realistically molded, with gently flared nostrils, ears upright and alert. The entirety of the horse has been covered in a white slip. It’s tossed tail suggests motion and energy. Minor losses, as expected. Considerable burial earth remains. TL (thermoluminescence) tested by Oxford Laboratories in 1998. The Six Dynasties is a collective term for six Han-ruled regimes in China during the periods of the later phase of the Three Kingdoms era (220–280 AD), the Jin dynasty...

This yellow pottery figure of a pig dates to China’s Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). This was a symbol of prosperity and abundance. During the Han period, many artifacts and effigies ...

A Chinese Han dynasty hand painted hippopotamus circa 202 BC-200 AD on custom made Lucite base. Crafted in China during the prestigious Han dynasty, this small terracotta hippopotamu...

A Chinese Han Dynasty period mingqi terracotta camel circa 202 BC-200 AD, with mineral deposits. Created in China during the Han Dynasty, this mingqi,...

A Chinese Han Dynasty period mingqi terracotta horse with traces of original paint, circa 202 BC-200 AD. This mingqi, a funerary statue created to be buried with the deceased to secure an enjoyable afterlife, features a horse proudly standing on its four legs and resting on a base. A mane made of real hair and a tail would have been added to the piece, while the ensemble showcases traces of its original polychrome. With its great history and weathered patina, this Han Dynasty mingqi horse...

A small Chinese Han Dynasty terracotta Brahman cattle Mingqi circa 202 BC-200 AD. Born in China during the Han Dynasty, this petite ancient terracotta sculpture...

A small Chinese Han Dynasty terracotta bull Mingqi circa 202 BC-200 AD. Born in China during the Han Dynasty, this petite ancient terrac...

A delightful pair of painted polychrome equestrian horse and riders. They present beautifully and I particularly appreciate the backpacks on the warriors. Guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Professional restorations on legs. Provenance: From the Private Collection of Morton & Kathleen Sachs of Louisville, Kentucky acquired from TK Asian Antiquities (Williamsburg, VA) in 2000 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 and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the silk road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the Empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

A beautifully proportioned Mingqi tomb pottery horse and saddle with traces of polychrome colors. Absolutely wonderful condition with no detected repairs with blacklight. A mane made...

Large horse with a detachable head and tail. The horse stands on a terracotta base. One of its feet is in the middle of a stride. Its lips are parted revealing teeth in a sneer like ...