PAINTED HORSE WITH A RARE PURPLE-BLUE PIGMENT
稀有漢代紫藍彩繪馬

Han dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD)

29 cm long, 24.5 cm high, 10 cm wide

Description: This painted earthenware horse is extremely rare because of the unique purple-blue pigment applied as the key decoration, which contains barium cupric silicate. Han Dynasty horses are classic with an abstract and lively expression. This piece is characteristically expressive of the artistic spirit of that era. Han horses in this form are often found without legs, because they were made of organic material, such as wood that has decayed over time. The four legs were originally attached to the bottom of the body.

Provenance: French collection