Standing Han Horse (Mingqi)
Sculpture, Funerary Art (Mingqi) • Unknown artisan; Chinese Imperial Workshop or Regional Workshop
Style & Movement
Han Dynasty Style; Chinese Archaic Funerary Art
Medium & Technique
Lead-glazed or Painted Terracotta/Earthenware; molded and hand-finished in sections
Creation Period
Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), specifically likely Eastern Han (25–220 CE)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 to 30 inches in height (50-75 cm); Free-standing vertical format on a modern wooden base.
Subject Description
A stylized standing horse, an emblem of status, power, and wealth in Han China. The figure features a powerful neck, alert ears, and an open mouth. Horses were essential for military dominance and were often buried as 'mingqi' (spirit goods) to serve the deceased in the afterlife.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; typical archaeological condition for excavated earthenware.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $12,000 USD (subject to TL testing and provenance verification)
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $8,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown. Private collection. Likely sourced from the art market in the late 20th century. Authenticity would require Thermoluminescence (TL) testing.
Art Historical Significance
Crucial representation of the 'Celestial Horses' from Central Asia (Ferghana) which revolutionized Han military capability. These figures represent the transition from the rigidity of the Qin to the more fluid, expressive naturalism of the Han dynasty.
Notable Features
Distinctive segmented construction (head, neck, body, and legs cast separately), characteristic of larger Han funerary figures. The greenish/white surface suggests burial calcification or 'silvering' of a lead glaze (iridescence).
Condition Issues
Visible segment seams where parts were joined. Surface encrustation, mineralization, and loss of original polychrome or glaze. Evidence of ancient fracturing and possible modern stabilization at the joints.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment with stable humidity to prevent 'salt damp' or further degradation of the clay body. Do not attempt to clean the surface mineralization or 'patina'. Display in a UV-protected area.