His bounding horses scarcely touch the fields:
His car amidst the dusty whirlwind roll’d,
Bright with the mingled blaze of tin and gold,
Refulgent through the cloud: no eye could find
The track his flying wheels had left behind:
And the fierce coursers urged their rapid pace
So swift, it seem’d a flight, and not a race.
The Iliad by Homer
Song of the Steed
Cen Shen, Tang Dynasty
Interpretation: The horse ran so fast, like a speck on the tip of a blade of grass, that even a hawk couldn’t catch up.
The art of bronze figurative sculpture holds a distinguished place in Russian decorative traditions, dating back to the imperial workshops of the 18th and 19th centuries, where masters sought to capture the spirit and dynamism of nature. From the noble steeds of Peter the Great’s monuments to the small bronzes of Fabergé’s era, these works expressed vitality through motion and form.
Continuing this long tradition, MOISEIKIN unites classical Russian bronze craftsmanship with the precision of modern stone carving. “Faster than the Wind” portrays a pair of horses in full stride, their strength and elegance rendered in lifelike detail. Every contour: the tense muscles, flowing manes, and windswept grass, conveys the courage, freedom of movement and energy of life.
The sculpture rests on a two-tiered Ural jasper base, its upper section rotating gracefully on a hidden mechanism, expressing its energy and power. This integration of bronze and natural stone exemplifies MOISEIKIN’s philosophy: preserving the soul of Russian craftsmanship while expanding it through inventive techniques and artistry.
In celebrating the Year of the Horse, the GuWei Museum is delighted to present its upcoming exhibition, “Seeking the Galloping Horses in Ancient Poetry”, a captivating journey through the cultural, artistic, and historical significance of horses across different civilisations.
Inspired by ancient poetry, mythology, and historical artistry, this unique exhibition brings together a fascinating collection of artefacts and narratives, showcasing the horse as a timeless symbol of power, speed, divinity, and humanity. Visitors will explore the enduring legacy of horses in art and culture, uncovering stories that transcend time and borders.
The exhibition is structured around six thematic sections, each highlighting a unique aspect of the horse’s symbolism and influence that celebrate the history, art and the enduring spirit of the horse.
Theme One: Seeking・The Spirit of the Dragon Horse
Featured Object: This pegasus melon rib leaf pattern sterling silver teapot (Image 1) is adorned with a galloping horse and intricate Greek mythology, reflecting the fusion of myth and art. This object is complemented with “Two Poems on the Celestial Horse, Part One” by Liu Che (156–87 BCE) in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and “Theogony” by Hesiod (8th–7th century BCE).
Theme Two: Seeking・Galloping at the Head
Feature Object: “Faster than the Wind” (Image 2) is a bronze figurative sculpture that portrays a pair of horses in full stride, their vitality and commitment rendered in lifelike detail. Loan by MOISEIKIN, this object is echoed with “The Iliad” by Homer (c. 8th century BCE–d. unknown) and “Song of the Steed” by Cen Shen (715–770 CE) from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE).
Theme Three: Seeking・Horse Worship Customs
Featured Object: This poised posture endows the limestone horse (Image 3) with dynamic rhythm and vitality. The mane’s carved lines are fluid and layered, with each strands texture clearly distinguishable, showcasing the artisan’s meticulous grasp of hair’s tactile qualities. Complemented poetries include “The Heavenly Horses” by Liu Che (156–87 BCE) in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) and “The Iliad” by Homer (c. 8th century BCE–d. unknown).
Theme Four: Seeking・Ode to Horses for Emotions
Featured Object: Icon of the Orthodox Church (Image 4) depicts Saint Michael the Archangel riding a winged war-horse with his armour and holding a weapon as a warrior to fight against Satan and guards souls. The object is juxtaposed with the poem “Farewell to a friend” by Li Bai (701–762 CE) and “Twenty Three Poems about Horses・No. Ten” by Li He (790–816 CE) both from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE).
Theme Five: Seeking・Galloping Thousands
Featured Object: Round relief silver box (Image 5) depicting the “Battle of Wan Cheng” from “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, demonstrating the horse as an indispensable symbol of power in warfare. This object is associated with the “Joy of Eternal Union-Thinking of Ancient Heroes in the Tower on the Northern Hill at Jingkou” by Xin Qiji in the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and “The Iliad” by Homer (c. 8th century BCE–d. unknown).
Theme Six: Seeking・A Flying Visit while Passing by on Horseback
Featured Object: Teapot with famille rose depiction of aristocratic ladies enjoying spring (Image 6). This ceramic masterpiece illustrating a charming image of two ladies’ elegant horseback ride amidst vibrant spring scenery is associated with the poem “Returning to Songshan Mountain” by Wang Wei (699–761 CE) and “A Visit to Qiantang Lake in Spring” both again from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE).
This exhibition is more than a display of art and history—it is a cultural voyage that intertwines ancient poetry, mythological tales, and craftsmanship. By exploring the symbolism of horses across civilisations, it spotlights their role as cultural icons and companions in human history.
These treasures are complemented by guided tours available in English, Cantonese, and Putonghua throughout the year, providing an engaging and immersive experience for all visitors.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Matthew & Marina Hoyle, MOISEIKIN and the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong who have generously lent their artworks to our exhibition.
