Celestial horse

myminifactory

Chinese envoys sent to central Asia returned home with tales of a mystical "heavenly horse," a robust animal renowned for its imposing physique and unyielding strength that compelled it to perspire blood. Emperor Wu, who ruled China from 141-87 BCE, became utterly captivated by these accounts and dispatched his diplomats, followed by a military contingent, in an attempt to acquire the horses. His fascination with these extraordinary creatures and their growing significance in military operations contributed significantly to the horse's widespread popularity in Han dynasty art, particularly during Wu's reign. Bronze equines like this one were placed within intricately designed tombs of aristocratic families and were intended to provide transportation for deceased individuals in the afterlife. This spirited horse, a harmonious blend of idealism and realism in its design, embodies the essence of the legendary "celestial horses" that defined the Han dynasty.