Realistic bronze horses from Warring States Period

These three bronze horses from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) — over 400 years older than the famous Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) Flying Horse of Gansu — are the earliest known bronze horses in China with a realistic style.

Each horse has its tail tied to avoid entanglement in tree branches or chariots, and their muscular limbs, strong backs, and powerful haunches are vividly rendered in bronze. Unearthed in Zhao State Imperial Tomb No 2, they reflect the historic military reforms of King Wuling of Zhao (356-295 BC), who introduced Hu-style attire and shooting from horseback to revolutionize his army. Now housed in Handan Museum in Hebei province, they are a window into China’s early equestrian culture.