The Horse in Chinese Art

Archaeological documentation shows that the first evidence of horses in China comes from the “Longshan culture”. At Miaodigou (Henan Province), several fire pits dating at about 5000 BCE were excavated and found to contain the remains of horses. The accepted theory is that these horses were used for domestic purposes as well as for mystical sacrifices.

From it’s domestication in northeastern China approximately 7,000 years ago, the horse, above all other animals, has had the greatest impact on the history of Asia. The horse was so treasured and played such a vital role that as early as the Shang Dynasty (1600-1100 BCE), they were entombed with their owners to pass over with them into the afterlife. It was not until the later part of the Warring States Period that this practise was replaced with a more humane way for an emperor to “defend” his Mausoleum. Qin Shi Huang (259 BCE – 210 BCE), the first emperor to unify China had several thousand life-size terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots buried in his mausoleum. More pottery horses were buried in another chamber considered to be his afterlife stable. To learn more about this feat of ancient art and to see these awe-inspiring sculptures please Click Here

Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty (157-87 BCE) was a great lover of horses. During the reign of Wudi, Chinese political explorer Zhang Qian (?-114 BCE) embarked on his westward diplomatic expeditions. As his entourage traveled deep into the Western Regions to Dayuan (Ferghana), he was told of the "blood-sweating" horses (click for more details) of the Dayuan. He immediately realized how precious his find was and upon seeing them recognized them as the finest horses in the world. Upon his return to China, Zhang Qian reported this to Emperor Wudi who desired to possess these fabled "blood-sweating" horses from Dayuan at all costs. He mounted several major military campaigns to acquire the legendary, superior "blood-sweating" horses from the Ferghana. These campaigns were expensive, not only in terms of resources, but in manpower as well, however they led to the establishment of contact between East and West as well as the opening of the Silk Roads. After four years, the troops returned with a selection of superior horses, which were named "Celestial Horses." The lofty moniker took on the divine power and spirit of the Celestial Horse God. Moreover, the Celestial Horse was destined to become an aesthetic & enduring theme in Chinese art. Artisans, inspired by the horse trade made horse images in various sizes from clay, wood, stone and bronze. A large number of brilliant lead-glazed three colored horses were made in various sizes and depicting graceful, delicate movement.

The horse has also played a major role in the mythology of early China. The ancestor of horses is called “Tiansi”, identified with the Chinese constellation Fang, namely the fourth constellation of the seven of the eastern quarter, commonly called “Azure Dragon”. The constellation Fang is said to be composed of four horses, (i.e. four stars in the head of Scorpio). Therefore the constellation is also called “Tiansi”, a celestial four horse team. Later the image of the horse became associated with that of the dragon. The horse and the dragon have been synonymous throughout China’s history as symbols of survival. Both were thought to have the ability to fly and carry their riders to the “home of the immortals”

China is noted for the invention of three of the most important innovations in equestrian history: the stirrup, the horse collar and an effective and reliable harnessing system based on the breast strap. The stirrup provided the warriors a secure platform from which to fight. It is worth noting that not even the Romans who fought masterfully on horseback, did not use stirrups. The harnessing system the Chinese developed was first to effectively use the horse’s power without hindering its ability to breathe. It is stated that the four most significant Chinese inventions that have had the greatest impact on the history of mankind are the breast strap harnessing system, the stirrup, gunpowder and paper.

Horses were not only used for military purposes but for recreation as well. From the early Han Period (202 BCE to 220 CE), to the late Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) dancing dressage horses performed for emperors. Also during the Tang Dynasty, polo and hunting became very popular for both men and women of all ages and social status. Hunt and polo scenes are a common theme for paintings and art of this period. Many Tang bronze mirrors are decorated with female polo players. Ceramic sculptures of polo players fall into two categories: dynamic players riding in full flying gallop, generally with no stand or support; and elegant players depicted in still positions, usually with all four or sometimes three legs attached to a rectangular base. To learn more about the Asian origins of Polo, Click Here.

The Tang Dynasty is known as the most creative era and also one in which horse painting reached its pinnacle of glory and splendor in Chinese fine arts history. Before the Tang, horse painting was not a school of art, but since, painters have exalted and revived the Tang style. Han Kan (718-780 CE), one of the most famous ancient Chinese painters, devoted himself primarily to horse painting. The Tang pottery horses are also among the most renowned examples of ancient Chinese art.

The Mongolians, led by Genghis Khan (approx. 1162-1227 CE) began their crusade to conquer China in 1207. The Mongolian’s traditionally led a nomadic way of life and the horse made the life of a nomadic herdsman possible. Their influence on Chinese art reflects this nomadic way of life. Mongolian artistic efforts were channeled into portable works of art such as, saddles, bridles and personal jewellery. Saddles were wonderful creations showing intricate creativity in metal castings, leather works, and embroidery. Even to this day, the Mongols spend much of their lives on horseback.

Since the inception of the Silk Roads during the Han Dynasty (157-87 BCE), silk had been traded for horses. However, China faced several periods where horses were of short supply. During the Song Dynasty (681-907 CE), tea was the commodity of trade and so began the history of the “Tea for Horses” Markets. China controlled tea production and attempted to maintain tea prices at an artificially high level in order to acquire greater numbers of horses. These markets were again used during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) when horse populations were once again depleted.

The horse, in symbolism and image, has forever been a staple of Chinese art showing that horses have always held a special status in Chinese culture. Today the horse continues to play a significant role in China which boasts the largest equine population in its history.

GiftHorse Gallery is pleased to offer a collection of Chinese Equine Art. Click Here to view our collection.

The Heavenly Horses are coming, Coming from the Far West. They crossed the Flowing Sands, For the barbarians are conquered. The Heavenly Horses are coming, That issued from the waters of a pool. Two of them have tiger backs: They can transform themselves like spirits. The Heavenly Horses are coming Across the pastureless wilds A thousand leagues at a stretch, Following the eastern road. The Heavenly Horses are coming. Jupiter is in the Dragon, Should they choose to soar aloft, Who could keep pace with them? The Heavenly Horses are coming Open the gates while there is time. They will draw me up and carry me To the Holy Mountain of K’un-lun. The Heavenly Horses have come And the Dragon will follow in their wake. I shall reach the Gates of Heaven, I shall see the Palace of God. Emperor Han Wudi, 101 BCE

written by Donna Nearing