Non-Western: Ancient Chinese Equine Art
In Ancient China, the horse was the second most important animal, inferior only to the dragon. In the remarkable tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 BC-210 BC), the mass of life-size terracotta warriors is completed with full sets of chariots. Intended to serve and protect the deceased in the afterlife, many other tombs contain figurines of horses, yet no other tombs can match the elaboration of Qin Shi Huang's. Sometimes the actual horses and carts that served the person in life were incased with their deceased owner to serve him/her in death.
The horse, as in many other ancient societies, played a large role in military force. “During the Western Zhou Dynasty (ca. 1100-771 BC), military might was measured by the number of war chariots available to a particular kingdom.” And as various empires grew throughout time, horses were essential "to transport trade and keep cities in contact with each other."
The horse, as in many other ancient societies, played a large role in military force. “During the Western Zhou Dynasty (ca. 1100-771 BC), military might was measured by the number of war chariots available to a particular kingdom.” And as various empires grew throughout time, horses were essential "to transport trade and keep cities in contact with each other."
pottery Horse and Flute Player, Tang Dynasty
|
During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 906 AD) horse sculpture and painting became popular to create for the sake of art itself than for spiritual intentions. Since it was an era of peace, figurines and other works mostly depicted leisure equestrian activities, or just the horse itself. The Tang horses are high-stepping, spirited creatures with elegantly arched necks, opened mouths, and petite hooves.
|
ceramic Horse, Tang dynasty
|
pottery Horse, Tang Dynasty
|