Horse

The Funerary Sculpture of a Horse is located in the Chinese art galleries at the Los Angeles Country Museum. The sculpture is a typical art object of Sancai in middle Tang Dynasty between 700 CE and 800 . It is made by "molded earthenware with molded, applied, and incised decoration and polychrome glaze."1 The sculpture depicts a standing horse with a earthenware base. It is about two feet high. The horse is very strong and full, and it has a thick neck and a round, big body, which fulfills the Tang taste. Its four legs look muscular.   The whole body of the horse is covered with lead-based and bright glazes. Usually, people call it Sancai, which means a polychrome handicraft with white, green and yellow as its major tones. There is saddle on its back, and some green ornaments are caved around its head and body. The sculpture represents the highest achievement of art forms of that period; moreover, it reflects cultural background. In the first place, the horse figure represents wealth. In ancient China, horses are luxury goods that can only be afforded by people in upper class. Usually, aristocrats and rich people use horses not only as a faster transportation but also as a symbol of their enormous wealth. Its delicate appearance, bright colors and sophisticate ornament perfectly convey desire of wealth. In addition, in Chinese culture, horses stand for military power. People would like to show off their military power by purchasing such figures. Its muscular shape, thick and organized horsehair and intimidating facial expression let people feel strength, solemn and power. The Funerary Sculpture of a Horse reflects wealth and militar power as will be shown using evidence from my observation and understanding.
  The Funerary Sculpture of a Horse serves the purpose of representing wealth. Polychrome glaze all over its body leaves people an impression of luxury and brightness.
The Museum’s Wall Labels.
Sancai mainly consists of three colors: yellow, brown and...