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5. Large Horse China; Tang Dynasty 618-907 CE Earthenware H: 28 1/2 in. W: 24 in. |
In the Tang dynasty, horses were of tremendous importance to the ruling and noble classes since they represented both power and pleasure. It was common for sculptures representing favorite steeds to be placed in the tomb of the deceased, whom they were meant to accompany into the afterlife. This horse represents the pinnacle of sculpture from the period with its twitching ears and naturalistic proportions. |