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Galloping through millennia: A timeline of Chinese horse artifacts

Bronze running horse

Updated: Jun 17, 2026 China Bound Print
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Bronze running horse, also known as "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow", Eastern Han Dynasty, from the collection of the Gansu Provincial Museum [Photo/Gansu Provincial Museum official WeChat account]

You may have already been familiar with this bronze running horse. Dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), it captures a breathtaking moment: the horse neighs proudly as three legs lift off the ground, while one hoof lightly steps on a startled bird looking back in surprise. The entire sculpture is supported by just one leg, showcasing advanced understanding of mechanics and superb crafting techniques.

Unearthed from the Leitai Tomb in Wuwei city, Gansu province, the bronze horse is now housed in Gansu Provincial Museum.

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