Plaque with a Winged Horse
These plaques were created by (or for) the Xianbei, a nomadic people living in the steppes region of what is now Mongolia and northern China, who would later control a large part of northern China as the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). According to the dynastic history of the Wei, they were led into China by a mysterious animal spirit that was shaped like a horse and that bellowed like an ox.
(One of a pair; see 24.174.6)
(One of a pair; see 24.174.6)
Artwork Details
- 東漢（鮮卑文化） 鎏金翼馬紋銅飾板
- Title: Plaque with a Winged Horse
- Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220), Xianbei culture
- Date: 1st century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Gilt bronze
- Dimensions: H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); W. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1924
- Object Number: 24.174.7
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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1st century
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