Museum Updates
Agate horse carrying a bundle of Buddhist scriptures
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
China Bound
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This exquisite Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) agate ornament vividly depicts a horse walking with its head lowered, carrying a bundle of Buddhist scriptures on its back. From its facial features to the finely carved mane and powerful muscles, every detail brings the horse to life.
The design was inspired by a story of Emperor Ming (r. 57-75) of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), who received a monk from ancient India leading a white horse laden with Buddhist scriptures. The emperor later ordered the construction of the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, where the monk spread Buddhism in China. Collection: Hangzhou Museum.
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