Prancing Horse

As the military significance of the horse increased so did its role in leisure and recreational activities. "Dancing" dressage horses delighted emperors and court audiences as early as the Han dynasty (206 b.c.-a.d.221). This "prancing" horse may well represent one of the famous "dancing" horses that reached their zenith during the Tang dynasty when one hundred of the specially trained steeds performed in unison for the emperor Hsuan-tsung (r. 712-756). This well modeled sculpture effectively captures the energy of a prancing stallion. It is further distinguished by its fine detailing and well painted saddle blanket.