A jade horse that has been 'thinking' for 3,000 years

Meet this jade horse from the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC). Carved from green jade with a yellow tone, it stands calmly with front legs straight and hind legs slightly bent, full of restrained energy. Its head is lowered, as if lost in thought. Fine double incised lines trace its muscles with remarkable accuracy and balance.

Unearthed in 1993 from the Jin Marquis Cemetery in Quwo county, Shanxi province, this jade horse is now housed at the Shanxi Museum.