Unknown
Gold Tang China Horse Head
Circa 7th century

Name: Gold Tang China Horse Head
Brand: Unknown
Price: 8850 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

This exceptional and rare rendering of a horse head, composed of gold over silver, hails from the illustrious Tang dynasty of China. The powerful Tang dynasty reigned for nearly 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries CE and oversaw a cultural and artistic “golden age” in Chinese civilization. Dating to around the 7th century CE, this objet d’art bears a remarkable level of detail, from the textures of the horse’s hair and muscle tone of its haunches to the floral ornaments draped around the equine’s broad and strong neck. Almost certainly crafted by a Sogdian artisan for a member of the aristocracy, this golden horse head remains a lasting symbol of imperial power, wealth and cultural exchange in ancient China. Tang Dynasty artworks reflect a harmonious blend of Han Chinese traditions and external cultural influences arriving to China through the Silk Road. More than a facilitator of global commercial transactions, the Silk Road served as a network for cultural exchange between East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Along its routes, travelers and merchants from disparate cultures encountered one another, fostering the exchange of ideas, philosophies, art forms and scientific knowledge. The Sogdians, an ancient Iranian peoples, are often considered among the greatest traders on the Silk Road, bringing their artistic, cultural and musical traditions from Central Asia and rising to prominence in the Chinese government during the Tang dynasty. Circa 7th century 21 1/2“ high x 17 1/2” wide x 1 1/2“ deep framed

Creation Year:

Circa 7th century

Dimensions:

Height: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)

Medium:

Gold,Silver

Period:

15th Century and Earlier

Condition:

Gallery Location:

New Orleans, LA

Reference Number: