About this piece
back to topA spectacular pair of Tang Dynasty style horse sculptures mounted on shaped wooden bases by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills.
Ancient Tang Dynasty horses symbolised prestige and majesty, often depicted with crests atop their harnesses as seen in these artistic examples. During this ‘golden age’, horses represented power and status in ancient China; they served as a reward for successful military expeditions and the foundation of imperial stability.
Also referred to as Chinese Dynamic style, these horse sculptures are depicted with one front leg and tails raised, evoking a sense of movement. Each is mounted onto a painted wooden base, ready for display as sculptural artwork pieces for an interior by a world-renowned artist.
One looking left, the other looking right, these horse sculptures would look particularly striking either side of a doorway, staircase or chimneypiece. Interestingly, when placed together side by side, their bases form the shape of a horse hoof.
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.
