Description

The Tang dynasty represents a golden age for Chinese culture. Especially under the Xuanzong reign (712-756) the empire made great advances in art, science, and literature. Tang material culture presents us with a wonderful array of fine statues, horses being an often seen subject.

Presented here is a typical Tang dynasty ceramic horse head. It was probably once part of a larger statue, but now preserved on its own on a custom wooden stand. It has exposed teeth as if neighing, and very expressive eyes, embodying the essence of Tang horse sculptures of the period.

At the top of the head are two circular and one triangular opening, that probably held some sort of ornament. The head still retains some of the original paint, including the eyelashes and parts of a red bridle.