Celestial Mingqi Resting Horse

This miniature clay horse is called a mingqi or “spirit object.” Mingqi were buried in tombs and represented all of the things one might need in the next life or in the transition to getting there: weapons, armor, bodyguards, animals, and even more mundane things from daily life, like musical instruments. This example is the head and torso of a horse. At this time, it was common for legs of horses to be created separately. Its form and oxidation are consistent with mingqi created during the Han Dynasty but date can not be verified. We received this piece from one of our favorite artists. During his travels around the world, he purchased items whose stories, forms, finishes and culture would go on to inspire his later work. From that larger collection, we curated spirited items that inspire us and highlight the cross-cultural nature that defines PAGODA RED's design aesthetic.