China

 

Horse

China, Tang Dynasty (618-907), 8th century

Earthenware with sancai (three-color) glaze

27¼ × 27¹/₂ × 15 in. (69.2 × 69.9 × 38.1 cm)

Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas, 1986.16

Piece Description:

In Chinese culture, horses have long symbolized power, wealth, and military might. A horse’s virtues were likened to those of humans; they reflected desired qualities such as free-spiritedness, high energy, and the successful achievement of one’s goals. This horse figurine — with splashed sancai or “three-color” amber, green, and cream glaze and tasseled harness — exemplifies tamed strength. The dark, rounded body suggests it was modeled after the legendary Ferghana horses from Central Asia, known to sweat blood while galloping, and prized by Tang emperors for their speed and endurance. Horse burial objects like this reflected the high rank of the tomb owner and family, and a Confucian desire to harmonize the living and spirit worlds.

 

 

 

UTD Location Information: This is the future site of the Arts and Performance Complex coming to campus, currently planned to be completed in 2024. This complex will house the second location of the Crow Museum of Asian Art, the Brettell Collection of Swiss art, and the Horchow Collection of Latin American Art. There will be museum-quality galleries and a new 600-seat performance hall.

Letter: R

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