HORSE WEATHERVANE TANG HORSE

This Tang Horse weathervane was original commissioned by a customer in New Brunswick, Canada. It was the second weather vane they have ordered from us and was planned as a special Christmas gift for the husband. We worked with the wife via email to conceptualize the design and once it was approved, made it and shipped it to her so she could surprise him on the holiday. Here is a quote she sent upon its receipt:

“I couldn’t wait until Christmas so I have the weathervane mounted, thinking my husband wouldn’t notice – he noticed it right away.  It is stunning!!!!  A beautiful piece of work – take a look at the pictures I’ve attached.” 

In their case, they opted to have the horse’s mane and tail gold leafed, which provides a striking contrast to the copper. The horse comes with brown glass eyes with black pupils which gives it a bright, animated appearance. If you compare the body of the Tang Horse with our Friesian Horse weathervane, you can see that we stressed strong, simple lines and contours on the Tang Horse to reflect the style associated with Tang Dynasty art.

Tang Dynasty art refers to the art in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The Tang period was considered the golden age of literature and art. The horse was one of the most popular animals to be found - in sculptural form - within burial chambers of the wealthy during the Tang dynasty. At this time, the tomb was perceived as a dwelling place for the spirit of the deceased, and was typically well outfitted with the necessities and luxuries of life, albeit in small scale. Ceramic models of servants, dancers, and musicians, as well as buildings and animals, have all been found preserved in such tombs. Sculptors emphasized graceful lines and sharp, clear forms, and good proportions (the head the right size for the body, the legs and arms the right length). Within Tang society, the horse played an important role. It was not chiefly a beast of burden, but rather a partner in military campaigns. Revered for their vigor and strength, horses symbolized the status and personality of their owners. Sculptures of the horse emphasize its elegance and strength, as if emphasizing qualities of the prosperous and powerful Tang dynasty itself.

• Wikipedia Definition of the Tang Dynasty

• The Tang Dynasty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Tang art with video commentary, from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

• Wikipedia Definition of Horse in Art

• Equine Facility Design