Flying Horse of Gansu Replica Value Guide

This twentieth-century replica captures the iconic 'Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow' originally discovered in a 1969 Han Dynasty tomb excavation. It is highly collectible as a symbol of the Silk Road and is renowned for the artistic feat of balancing a heavy bronze horse on a single bird's wing.

What affects the value of Flying Horse of Gansu Replica?

• Material composition, with solid bronze examples commanding higher prices than bronze-finished cast iron.
• The quality and detail of the casting, particularly the facial expression of the horse and the form of the swallow.
• Overall condition of the finish, including the presence of original patina and lack of structural damage to the thin support leg.
• Size and scale, as larger mid-century decorative versions are more sought after for interior design.

How to Identify Flying Horse of Gansu Replica?

• Look for the distinctive pose where the horse has three legs in the air and one rear hoof resting on a spreading swallow.
• Examine the material for a bronze-finished cast iron or solid bronze construction typical of 1970-1990 reproductions.
• Check for a green or dark brown patina applied to mimic the oxidized appearance of the 2nd-century AD original.
• Verify the base stability, as authentic replicas must maintain the precise center of gravity over the swallow to stand upright.

History of Flying Horse of Gansu Replica

This is a twentieth-century replica of the iconic bronze sculpture 'Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow' discovered in 1969 in a Han Dynasty tomb in Wuwei, Gansu province. The original dates to approximately the 2nd century AD and became a symbol of Chinese archaeological heritage and the Silk Road. The design is celebrated for its perfect balance, as the entire weight of the horse is supported by the single hoof touching the bird.