Artwork preview

Harness ornament with a winged horse

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Dark brown metal harness ornament in the shape of an asymmetrical oval with one rounded end tapering to a narrower, more pointed end. The ornament depicts a winged horse, with its body and head facing left. The horse has a long neck and a small head with a short muzzle. The horse's wings are spread out behind it, with feathers carved in relief. The horse appears to be running. The background of the ornament has some curved lines carved in relief, possibly suggesting flames or waves. The ornament has a weathered appearance with darker patches. The background of the image is light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
1st century BCE–1st century CE
Medium:
Silver
Culture:
Northeast China
Dimensions:
600 × 450 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette