Horses were of tremendous importance to the ancient Chinese. Invested with sanctity by tradition and revered as a relative of the dragon, the horse became an instrument of military and diplomatic policy, as well as a status symbol by the Tang dynasty (618-906). Imported from various parts of Central Asia and even further afield, foreign horses of many breeds and varieties are found in Chinese art in this period of peace and prosperity.
- Titles Horse (Descriptive)
- Artist China
- Medium glazed earthenware
- Dimensions 25 x 26 x 7 in. (63.5 x 66 x 17.8 cm)
- Credit Line Partial gift from Dr. and Mrs. M. Bruce Sullivan and Museum purchase with funds provided by the 1988 Museum Dinner and Ball, 1989.51
- Work Type sculpture
- Classification Sculpture
- On View
- Provenance Dr. and Mrs. M. Bruce Sullivan, Birmingham; on loan to the Birmingham Museum of Art from 1976 and 1989 gift