Mingqi Horse Pin's

Standing horse mingqi (tomb figure) - Later Han Dynasty (1st-3rd century) - Terra cotta - Paris, Guimet Museum, National Museum of Asian Arts

This animal, with its body solidly planted on sturdy legs and its prominent eyelids, geometrical jaws and flaring nostrils, has an extraordinarily expressive look, symbolizing the strength of the Chinese horse. The curves and counter-curves of its morphology are deliberately accentuated and executed like a flowing brushstroke. It is a spirited, picturesque work, typical of Sichuan productions.