Chinese Horse Statues

Since 1600 B.C., horses have been domesticated and raised by the Chinese. Their statues were made of bronze, jade, wood, or porcelain, and are a symbolic physical representation of one of the most significant creatures in Chinese culture.

Horses would loyally pull chariots with armies into war. They also often were buried with their owners so that they could accompany them into the afterlife. Mythological horses were believed to be closely related to the dragon, and capable of flying their deceased owners to the land of the immortals.

Statues of horses depict the animals in many different poses or stages of action, all bearing different meanings. The running horse in full gallop, for one, represents good fortune. A jumping horse represents success, whereas two horses symbolize a successful marriage. Horse paintings or horse statues are often placed in rooms to reinforce the power of the tenant, especially if that tenant is an executive.

Quick Facts

• The white horse holds particular significance in Chinese Buddhist culture. It is associated with the introduction of Buddhism in China and has become a symbol of purity and peace
• The Chinese were actually not very successful in breeding horses as the land was often not fertile enough to provide sufficient grazing material for the animals
• During the Tang dynasty, horses danced and performed without riders in the imperial court. These horses were often given wine, and are portrayed in sculpture as bearing ribbons or other accessories and tossing their heads to music