Horse and Willow Tree

Unidentified artist

Not on view

Since the Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220), fine horses have symbolized military power and imperial authority in China. For this reason, powerful steeds were a popular subject at the early Ming court. Frequently such paintings show sleek animals grazing, often tethered to willow trees. Perhaps such images were intended to connote an empire at peace, when warhorses were not required to subdue insurrection or combat foreign invaders

Horse and Willow Tree, Unidentified artist Chinese, early 15th century, Album leaf; ink and color on silk, China

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