This horse was constructed of nine separately cast bronze sections. The surface of the bronze has corroded to brilliant green and blue tones. Traces of paint--black, red, and white--are clearly visible in areas around the eyes, mouth, neck, mane, and belly. The original coppery bronze color is also visible in large patches around the girth of the horse.

Most large-scale bronze horses, such as this one, have come from Eastern Han tombs in southwest China, principally Szechwan and Kweichou provinces. This outstanding example of an Eastern Han bronze sculpture is the first horse of its type to enter an American collection.