Horse Statues

Across India, the horse has long symbolised power, vitality and divine motion. This collection celebrates the sculptural legacy of Indian equestrian art — from processional horses carved in teak to vibrant polychrome figures once displayed in temples, courtyards and festival processions.

Each piece combines folk artistry with royal pageantry. Whether a carved Khandoba figure from Maharashtra or a painted teak processional horse from Rajasthan or Gujarat, these works capture the energy of movement and devotion. The painted surfaces, often layered with vermilion, lime and natural pigments, convey the ceremonial splendour of India’s regional traditions.

Indian Processional & Temple Horses

In Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, wooden horses were integral to religious and civic processions — symbols of victory, protection and divine transport. Polychrome examples such as the Surat horse figures were made for wealthy patrons. Larger pieces were sometimes paraded during harvest or temple festivals, dedicated to deities such as Aiyanar or Khandoba.

Khandoba & the Heroic Rider Tradition

The regional god Khandoba, a form of Shiva worshipped across Maharashtra and Karnataka, is frequently depicted astride a horse, spear in hand — a protector of communities and fields. Brass and bronze Khandoba riders embody this martial and divine symbolism. Their compact scale and rhythmic modelling reflect folk traditions of hero worship and divine guardianship, bridging devotional art and rustic metalwork.

Architectural & Decorative Forms

Beyond processional use, carved horse-head corbels once adorned temple and haveli facades — architectural guardians embodying strength and endurance. Today, their expressive carving, weathered paint and balanced symmetry make them striking sculptural accents for interiors, equally suited to modern and traditional spaces.

Styling & Display

With their sculptural scale and painted vitality, Indian horse figures make distinctive interior focal points — ideal for hallways, living rooms or entry spaces. Their dynamic lines complement minimalist, rustic and eclectic settings alike. Pair with natural textures such as aged wood or linen to balance colour and patina, or group alongside Buddha statues and Nandi bulls to create a dialogue between calm spirituality and vibrant folk energy.

Cultural Resonance

These statues are not merely decorative objects, but expressions of India’s enduring relationship with the horse — from royal pageantry to village devotion. Each bears the imprint of its maker and region, a testament to creativity, reverence and craftsmanship that continues to inspire collectors and designers alike.