Verdigris Bronze Han Style Horse Statue

This reproduction bronze horse is inspired by examples from the Han Dynasty (202 BC–AD 220), a period in which the horse became an important subject in Chinese art. It has a beautifully balanced form, with an arched neck, raised head and animated expression, 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. Images and sculptures of horses subsequently featured prominently in Han tombs, where they were associated with status, power and transportation in the afterlife.

This reproduction is likely inspired by surviving Han bronze horses such as the Celestial Horse in the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

• Origin: China
• Date: Contemporary reproduction
• Materials: Bronze
• Features: Han Dynasty style; stylised arched neck and raised head; verdigris patinated finish
• Condition: Good
• Dimensions: W62 × D18 × H72 cm
• Weight: 10 kg