China & The Orient

The Horse in Chinese Art and Culture

Throughout China’s long past, no animal has affected its history as greatly as the horse. Ever since its introduction in China around the end of the 3rd Millennium BC, the horse has been an integral figure in the creation and survival of the Middle Kingdom. Their importance in the transportation of goods and supplies, and [...]

Terracotta Tomb Attendants

Companionship and Service Grave goods in the shape of human figures, made from materials such as wood and terracotta, have a long history in Chinese culture. By the time of the so-called First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin dynasty, whose terracotta army is widely known as the most impressive example of terracotta [...]

Tibetan Bronze Figures

Tibetan Buddhist Art Tibet has been a central hub of Buddhist belief and practise since the 8th century AD, when it became the formal state religion. As a means of supporting worship, many Buddhist communities have long produced impressive and beautiful works of art. One such branch of Tibetan Buddhist art is the production of [...]