Chinese Tang Dynasty Style War Horse Sculpture
Unbranded · Art & Decor > Sculptures & Figurines
Era / Decade
Mid-20th Century (1950s-1970s)
Material
Carved Soapstone or Hardstone with a wooden base. The matte, waxy luster and natural veining suggest soapstone/steatite.
Condition
Very Good. The carving appears intact with no major visible chips or fractures. The wooden base shows some scuffing consistent with age.
Demand Level
Moderate. Chinoiserie remains a staple in home staging and traditional interior design, though market saturated with smaller versions.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $45 | Mid: $85 | High: $150+
Estimated Retail Value
$150 - $250 (Comparable modern high-end import)
Comparable Sales
Similar soapstone or hardstone horse figures of this size (approx 8-12 inches) typically sell for $60-$120 on eBay. Genuine vintage pieces with intricate saddle details perform better than smooth modern resin reproductions.
Description
A striking vintage Chinese war horse sculpture in the iconic Tang Dynasty style. Carved from a celadon-colored green hardstone with natural dark mineral veining. The horse is depicted in a spirited pose with a docked tail, arched neck, and ornate saddle blankets. It sits on a fitted, dark-stained scalloped wooden display base. This piece captures the 'T’ang Horse' aesthetic popular in mid-century Chinoiserie decor.
Key Features
Tang Dynasty aesthetic is highly collectible in interior design; natural stone material adds weight and value; large shelf presence; neutral celadon color fits modern and traditional decor.
Authenticity Indicators
Confidence: High that this is a 20th-century decorative piece and NOT ancient. The presence of a modern-style scalloped wooden base and the specific carving style indicate it was produced for the export or gift market in the mid-to-late 1900s.
Flaws to Note
Minor surface scratches consistent with stone; possible dust in deep crevices; scuffs on the wood base edges.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (broad reach for collectors), Etsy (for the 'vintage' aesthetic), or Facebook Marketplace (to avoid high shipping costs for heavy stone).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Tang Dynasty Style', 'Chinoiserie', 'Grandmillennial', and 'Celadon Green'. Photograph against a light, neutral background to make the green stone pop. Mention the weight, as heavy items denote quality to online buyers. Double-box for shipping to prevent the stone from cracking during transit.