Brought to China by means of the international Silk Road trade network, the relationship between China and horses dates back to Neolithic times and the first domestication of the animal is believed to have started in the 13th century BC. Horses were widely used in warfare, hunting and in the aristocratic pastime of polo. They were complimented as a symbol of strength, masculinity, and superiority within traditional Chinese culture, making them one of the most favoured repertoires in Chinese art. Terracotta statuettes, such as this fine example, are known as Mingqi (冥器) and were meant to be grave goods to be placed in tombs, as it was believed that these figures would serve and assist the deceased in the afterlife.
To discover more about horses in Chinese culture, read our relevant blog post: The Horse in Chinese Art and Culture.
