The legendary Eight Horses of Mu Wang, the fifth sovereign of the Western Zhou dynasty (c.1100-771 BC), were renowned for their speed and perseverance. They are traditionally believed to have been used by King Mu on his mythical journey to visit Xi Wang Mu, the Queen Mother of the West, and on his expeditions to subdue barbarian tribes. A popular decorative motif in Chinese art, the horses each bore a distinguishing name, and their unique dispositions are perhaps suggested here on this charming and very rare molded jardinière in which they appear in various dramatic poses.