China - Red Painted Slip Horse Head - Han Dynasty

Red-painted slip-glazed terracotta horse head with upright mane. The wooden ears are missing, which is a normal and usual feature. The Han Dynasty horse head is a fascinating object that demonstrates the importance of horses in the culture and economy of the period. Horses were not only working animals, but also symbols of status and power. Han Dynasty horse head sculptures are often made of terracotta and can be elaborately decorated. They were sometimes used in funerary contexts, accompanying the deceased on their journey to the afterlife, or as decorative art objects. These sculptures show great attention to detail, reflecting the physical characteristics of the horses, as well as the artistic style of the period. Origin: China. Dimensions: Length: 17 cm; Width: 6 cm; Height: 17.5 cm. Period: Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220). Condition: Good overall condition, traces of fossilized roots.