Bronze Han Dynasty Style Horse Head

This striking bronze horse head is inspired by the art of the Han Dynasty (202 BC–AD 220), a period in which the horse became an important subject in Chinese art. The stylised head has an elongated form with upright ears and strong, sculptural features, finished with a mottled verdigris patina to recreate the appearance of an excavated ancient bronze.

Horses became particularly significant during the reign of Emperor Wu (141–87 BC), whose search for the celebrated ‘heavenly horses’ of Central Asia reflected their growing military and cultural importance. Horse sculptures subsequently featured prominently in Han tombs, where they were associated with status, power and transportation in the afterlife.

A substantial decorative sculpture, the simple form and aged verdigris finish give this piece a particularly strong presence.

• Origin: China
• Date: Contemporary copy of a Han Dynasty bronze
• Materials: Bronze
• Features: Han Dynasty style horse head; elongated sculptural form; mottled verdigris patina
• Dimensions: W29 × D12 × H35 cm
• Weight: 5.5 kg