CHINA, QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)

As symbols of speed and strength, horses have been favoured in Chinese art for their prestige and masculine presence. Horses are also depicted as metaphors for the fine qualities of good officials, and embody the wish for immediate success. The present lot may be compared with a white-glazed biscuit model of a horse from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2016, lot 899; a pair of spotted horses sold at Sotheby's London, 27 February 1973, lot 131; and a single spotted pony sold in the same rooms 24 February 1976, lot 206. A smaller Kangxi period biscuit horse is illustrated in the catalogue International Exhibition of Chinese Art, London, 1935-1936, No.1855.