A Cast Bronze Figure of a Recumbent Horse China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

A Cast Bronze Figure of a Recumbent Horse China, Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
A finely cast bronze figure of a horse, depicted in a spirited and dynamic pose with its head turned sharply back towards its near hind leg.
The animal is modeled with powerful, rounded haunches and a thick, arching neck.
The mane and tail are delicately rendered with fine, incised linear details, contrasting with the smooth, muscular surface of the body.
The bronze is covered in a deep, lustrous dark-brown patina, showing subtle wear and softening to the edges consistent with its age and long-term handling as a scholar’s desk object.




In Chinese culture, the horse is a potent symbol of speed, perseverance, and high social status. During the Ming dynasty, small-scale bronzes like this were prized by the literati for their tactile quality and were often kept on writing desks as paperweights or "toys" (wan) to be admired during contemplation. The specific "turning head" posture is particularly sought after by collectors for its sense of life and fluid movement.