About this piece
back to topA striking sculptural plaster maquette of a Chinese Dynamic style horse by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills.
Part of the artist’s equestrian art series, this plaster maquette depicts a horse leaning forwards with neck and tail raised, characteristic of Chinese Dynamic sculpture. Freestanding, it is perfect for decorative interior display and an excellent example of John W. Mill’s animal studies.
The equestrian series references the Tang dynasty, or ‘golden age’, when horses were the symbol of power and status in ancient China; they served as a reward for successful military expeditions and the foundation of imperial stability.
Depictions of Tang dynasty horses can be found in the British Museum, from which John W. Mills found inspiration for his own graceful four-legged sculptures. A full size example of one the artist’s Chinese Dynamic horses, installed in 1994, can be found in Minton Lane, Harlow and another in a private collection in Oxfordshire.
John W. Mills (1933-2023)
John Mills was a highly acclaimed English sculptor, celebrated across the globe for his contemporary statues, bronze figures and artistic maquettes.
Mills showcased a flair for sculpture from a young age, first exhibiting at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1951 and then hosting his first one-man show at the AIA Gallery, London in 1959. Throughout his distinguished career, Mills went on to received several prizes and accolades and many notable commissions.
Some of his most famous works include the monumental memorial to The Woman of World War II in Whitehall, London and the National Firefighters Memorial near St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
Following the sculptor’s passing in 2023, the contents of John W. Mill’s creative studio at his family home in Hinxworth Place, Hertfordshire were dispersed. These sculptures formed part of this curated collection, offering a rare chance to obtain original works made by the artist, including sculptural pieces for garden, interior and exhibition.
