The masterpiece of bronze from the Eastern Han Dynasty, “Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow,” has become a shining pearl in the cultural heritage of the Chinese nation with its extraordinary artistic charm and exquisite craftsmanship. This horse stands proudly at a height of 34.5 centimeters, with a body length stretching up to 45 centimeters and a width of 13 centimeters. Its body is agile and graceful, resembling a galloping elf that has traveled through time and space.
On the bronze cast body, the horse held its head high and hissed, displaying endless heroic posture and strength. Its body was solid yet agile, its limbs were slender, and its steps were light. Especially with its three legs soaring in the air, only one foot steadily stepped on the flying swallow. This exquisite and unparalleled design not only reflects the ancient craftsmen’s profound understanding of speed and dynamism, but also cleverly balances the overall shape, showing a transcendent and romantic sentiment.
In 2002, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, in order to deepen the friendship between the two countries, President Jiang Zemin presented a 24K gold-plated replica of “A Horse Treading on a Swallow” as a national gift to visiting US President George W. Bush. This move not only showcased the vastness and profundity of Chinese culture, but also witnessed the historical moment of friendly exchanges between China and the United States.
Tracing its origins, this Eastern Han bronze galloping horse, known as the “symbol of Chinese tourism,” was rediscovered in October 1969 in an ancient tomb dating back to the reign of Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty in Wuwei, Gansu. Its owner was a general surnamed Zhang. This horse is frozen in a galloping posture, with a bird cleverly attached to its right hind hoof. This design not only highlights the extraordinary speed of the horse, but also cleverly stabilizes the center of gravity of the sculpture. Its artistic achievement is truly the pinnacle of ancient Chinese bronze art.
There have been many controversies in history regarding its naming. Although “The Horse Treads on the Flying Swallow” is widely known, some scholars advocate naming it “The Horse Surpasses the Dragon Sparrow” based on ancient texts, aiming to emphasize the extraordinary momentum of horses surpassing the mortal world and resembling dragons and sparrows. In ancient contexts, the flying swallow under the foot of a bronze horse was often seen as a symbol of the speed of a good horse. Therefore, naming it directly as “Yan Qiang” or “Fei Yan Qiang” not only conforms to ancient meanings, but also appears elegant and appropriate. However, due to various opinions, it was ultimately named “Copper Running on a Horse”, which, although concise and clear, did not fully showcase its essence of treading on swallows.
It is worth mentioning that, in order to strengthen the management of the outbound exhibition of China’s precious cultural relics and ensure the safety of cultural relics, the National Cutural Heritage Administration has issued the Catalogue of the First Batch of Cultural Relics Prohibited from Going Abroad. Among them, the Bronze Running Horse, or Horse Stepping on a Flying Swallow, is one of the 64 pieces (groups) of cultural relics prohibited from going abroad for exhibition. This measure is undoubtedly a high recognition of its important historical value and artistic status.
Regardless of its final name, ‘The Horse Treads on the Flying Swallow’ undoubtedly represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese artistic creation, and its artistic charm and historical value will forever be engraved in the brilliant galaxy of human civilization.
