Museum Updates
Bronze plaque ornament depicts two abstract horses
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
China Bound
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Hidden within this bronze plaque ornament dating from the Wei and Jin period (220-420) is an abstract depiction of two horses. The larger horse kneels at rest, while a smaller horse stands on its back, lowering its head to nibble at the larger horse's mane. The larger horse also features a round crown-like ornament atop its head, a drooping tail, and two stirrups beneath its belly – all rendered in a highly freehand style.
Unearthed in 1979 in Haidong, Qinghai province, this piece is a representative work of the Xianbei culture and is now housed in the Qinghai Provincial Museum.
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