Description: Patinated bronze of a Chinese horse with saddle. Marble stand, 2 x 10 x 9".


History: In different periods the styles of Chinese bronze objects were different. The bronze objects in the early ancient period were heavy and dignified. The bronze objects in the middle period were practical and simple. In the late period, besides being practical and simple ones, these also had graceful and intricate forms.
The ritual books of old China minutely describe who was allowed to use what kinds of sacrificial vessels and in what quantity. The Chinese inscribed all kinds of bronze items with three main motif types: demons, symbolic animals, and abstract symbols, especially during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC). Ornaments on the Bronze Ware The ornaments on the bronze ware are an important element of the spiritual content of the bronze ware. The effect of the bronze ware design on human sense is a formative element, while the ornaments on it represent the specific image of the interweaving of mythology and reality. The ornaments on Chinese bronze ware are rich in content: animal patterns are the representatives, and plant patterns, cloud-and-thunder patterns, geometric patterns, human face patterns etc can also be found. The ornaments often give off a solemn and mysterious atmosphere, which may have something to do with the function of the bronze ware – sacrificial and ritual articles in ancient China. The Chinese ancestors believed that the design of the ornaments could communicate with divinities and frighten demons as well. Therefore, to enshrine the bronze ware in the temple would do something good to them – either bring them good luck or ward off evil spirits.

Provenance: Lorber Estate, Palm Beach, FL


Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 26.5 | Height(in) = 15 | Width(in) = 14 | Depth(in) = 8

Size of Artwork(in): 8 x 11.5 x 3.25"


Artist Name: Chinese


Medium: Bronze


Circa: Late 20th Century

Good condition. Marble stand has several chips on the edge.