Han Terracotta Horse Head
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Price £275 (GBP)
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Item Details
Size
15.5cm(H) / 6"(H)
Region
China
Date
China, Han
Full Description
Early Han Dynasty terracotta Tianma Horse head; hollow moulded grey earthenware with red slip and added white paint to portray the trappings, bearing animated expression.
The Tianma, heavenly horse was credited in records with being capable of running a thousand li (310 miles) a day and of sweating blood. The desire of the Han ruling class to own Tianma led to their enthusiasm for horse models to furnish their graves. To illustrate the legend of Tianma sweating blood, red pigment was often used.