General Guan Yu on Horseback, late 17th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Bronze, silverexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 2012.22.4
On View in Gallery 214expand_more
Guan Yu (160–219) was a military general under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty and Three Kingdoms period (220–280), and one of the best-known Chinese historical figures throughout East Asia. True accounts of Guan Yu’s life have largely given way to semifictional ones. He is traditionally portrayed as a red-faced warrior with a long, lush beard. This bronze statue of Guan Yu was sculpted in a popular iconic form of the time: he rides his horse, Red Hare, and likely once held his blade in his right hand (which has gone missing). The rider and horse stand on an oval base with four low feet. His left hand touches his beard (which might have been made of real hair but is now missing). Such a statue, serving as an object of worship, would have been owned by wealthy civilians.
Details
- Title
- General Guan Yu on Horseback
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2012.22.4
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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