Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

Vintage Chinese Bronze Horse on Flying Swallow Figurine

About the Item

Vintage bronze sculpture features a galloping horse stepping on a flying bird, with prominent green verdigris patina on highly detailed cast. The sculpture is a replica of the Flying Horse of Gansu, also known as the Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow, made in 1970s. The original bronze sculpture, dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), was discovered in 1969 in a Han dynasty tomb in Gansu Province, China. It is described as "perfectly balanced on the one hoof which rests without pressure on a flying swallow, it is a remarkable example of three-dimensional form and of animal portraiture with the head vividly expressing mettlesome vigor." It was determined that the tomb belonged to an army general who had been given the important task of maintaining imperial frontier defenses. The horse is believed to be a "celestial horse" or "blood-sweating horse", a Mongolian breed brought to China from Fergana on emperor's orders in 104 BCE, that was highly prized as mark of status by the Han elite and military society. The sculpture was exhibited internationally in the 1970s to a great success, but in 2002 it was included the Gansu Flying Horse in the inaugural list of 64 grade-one cultural relics that are forbidden to be taken out of mainland China for exhibition. The sculpture is marked with "Made in Hong Kong" foil sticker; it is in very good vintage condition, and is ready to be displayed. Due to convenient size, the figurine can be used either as a standalone piece, or as a part of shelf, coffee table, desk, or fireplace mantel decor; it would complement various interiors, from Traditional to Victorian, Modern, Eclectic, Contemporary, or Collected.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.6 in (14.23 cm)Width: 7.4 in (18.8 cm)Depth: 2.13 in (5.42 cm)
  • Style:
    Chinoiserie (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cast,Hand-Crafted,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Clifton Springs, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4421143862032

More From This Seller

View All
Vintage Chinese Porcelain Saddled Horse Figurine Blue and White 1960s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Highly detailed vintage figurine of a saddled horse in motion is hand decorated with abstract flower motifs; the decor is done in traditional blue and white palette. The heavy, sub...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Vintage Hand Painted Alabaster Rocking Horse Figurine, Italy
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage rocking horse figurine features hand-painted decor on alabaster body. Modernist abstract shape is complemented by simple abstract graphic patterns in dark grey, purple, and bronze colors; pale blue color is used for the tail and the mane. Due to natural qualities of the alabaster, the colors change slightly depending on the angle, adding visual interest to the piece. The sculpture is signed on the side by the artist and is marked with "Genuine Alabaster Hand Painted...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Alabaster

Pair of Tonala Mexico Modernist Horse Figurines, Planters or Ashtrays
By Tonala Pottery
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
A pair of modernist horse figurines were hand made in Tonala, Mexico, in modernist style with short legs, long bodies, and expressive heads, and are hand painted in typical Tonala s...
Category

20th Century Mexican Folk Art Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Hunting Crouching Brass Cat Figurine
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage brass figurine depicts a cat in a crouching position, hunting and ready to pounce on its prey. The cat is sculpted in Modernist style w...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Bronze Deer Figurines
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Mid-Century Modern pair of bronze deer consists of one buck and one doe, with the buck standing upright displaying his antlers and the doe grazing on the ground. The brass has nic...
Category

Mid-20th Century Korean Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Wicker Water Buffalo Figurine by Shanghai Handicrafts
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
A highly detailed, sculptural water buffalo figurine was hand made in finely woven lightweight honey-brown wicker which was then lacquered, with carved wood feet and horns and clear...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures

Materials

Rattan, Wood, Wicker

You May Also Like

Vintage Chinese Bronze Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Horse stepping on swallow was made from Bronze with hand crafted accent Chinese pattern. Very unique and beautiful. It originally from eastern Han dynasty an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Midcentury Bronze Asian Style Horse Sculpture, Han Dynasty Flying Horse
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage midcentury Asian bronze horse sculpture, Han dynasty flying horse Offered for sale is a striking vintage midcentury bronze horse sculptur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Flying Eagle on Marble Base
Located in Annville, PA
Graceful even when standing still the Bronze Flying Eagle on Marble Base is a striking addition to any setting. Using traditional lost wax casting methods the Bronze Eagle is created...
Category

2010s Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Flying Eagle on Marble Base
Located in Annville, PA
Graceful even when standing still the Bronze Flying Eagle on Marble Base is a striking addition to any setting. Using traditional lost wax casting methods the Bronze Eagle is created...
Category

2010s Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Delicate Mid Century Murano Art Glass Figurine Sculpture Swallows on a Branch
By Murano Glass Sommerso, Barovier&Toso
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite mid-century Murano art glass sculpture captures the delicate beauty of two swallows perched on a vibrant green branch. Expertly handcrafted, the birds feature transl...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso

Vintage Bronze Horse
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A vintage bronze horse which is unsigned. Great quality. Mounted on a wood base. The base has some losses. Bronze is in good condition, with some minor ag...
Category

20th Century American Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Bronze Horse
$3,360 Sale Price
20% Off

Recently Viewed

View All