The
horse is a symbol of speed, grandour and perseverance. It represents the seventh
of twelve terrestrial branches in the Chinese zodiac. It is classed under the
element of fire, and corresponding the south. However, this ivory carving of a
horse treading on waves, with tongues of flame raging along its body indicates
that this is a mythical horse, a fantastic creature called Dragon Horse, one of
the seven treasures of Buddhism, carrying on its back the Book of Buddhist Dharma.
In another Chinese legend, a Dragon Horse is recorded to have come out of the
Yellow River, and appeared to the first legendary emperor Fu Hsi, bearing on it
back a divine tablet from which the written characters of China is said to have
been evolved.
Judging
from the large size of this beautifully carved horse, its heavy weight, circular
contour and grain patterns indicates that the material is African ivory, a tusk
that must have exceeded 7 inches in diameter. Despite its age, the ivory is brilliant
white, with no cracks but a few hairlines. There is a small chip to the left ear.
Though barely visible to the eyes, upon closer observation, the horse tail was
once broken and reattached. Its overall condition remains excellent.
