Horses back in ancient China changed the balance of warfare, and the introduction of cavalry played a pivotal role in the development of military power. Because of this, horses became closely related to the current emperors of China as a representation of their strength and authority. As a result, artists from this time period took it to themselves to use horses as a device in their artworks to portray or make commentary of the current emperor or the time of their reign.

The hand scroll on the left shows a baihua painting, a style of painting utilizing only black ink and shading, made by Han Gan. It depicts a horse tied to a pole, flaring its nostrils, with a piercing stare looking directly at the viewer. This horse was actually a favorite of the current emperor of this time, Emperor Xuanzong, due to its speed and resilience. However, the painting of this horse actually references the fall of the Tang dynasty. It is said that the horse symbolizes Emperor Xuanzong and his achievement in bringing his empire to glory. Nevertheless, his preoccupation with a concubine caused him to neglect his duties and lose his throne, represented by the leash chaining the horse to the pole.

From the collection of: The Met