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Large Italian Majolica Tang Horse

$2,800
£2,097.87
€2,445.34
CA$3,941.05
A$4,011.58
CHF 2,283.47
MX$48,422.76
NOK 26,626.50
SEK 26,947.54
DKK 18,280.30

About the Item

An extraordinary Italian Tang-style horse, arguably the most striking example I’ve had the pleasure to own. Monumental in scale and presence, it’s finished in a richly colored majolica glaze with expertly applied crusty faux aging that mimics the centuries-old weathering seen on authentic Tang dynasty tomb figures. The result is a work that carries both gravitas and glamour—so compelling it rivals, and in some ways surpasses, the originals in sheer decorative appeal. This sculptural piece was custom made for the luxury department store Wony Ltd, which, like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bonwit Teller, and Gumps, was a key player in importing and retailing high-end European decorative arts in the postwar era. These stores were more than just shopping destinations—they were cultural tastemakers, curating a vision of international modern luxury for the American home. During the reconstruction of post–World War II Italy, there was a concerted national effort to restore the country’s economy through its greatest asset: its tradition of artisanal excellence. Ceramics, along with glass and furniture, became a vital export commodity. Studios like Zaccagnini, Bitossi, and Lenci embraced traditional techniques while adapting their designs to modern tastes, often in collaboration with elite department stores abroad. This horse, attributed stylistically to Ugo Zaccagnini or his circle, captures that balance perfectly: rooted in antiquity but unmistakably theatrical and modern in execution. The bold sculptural form, expressive face, and the dramatic use of texture and glaze reflect the kind of artisanal modernism that defined the Italian decorative arts of the period. A commanding decorative statement and a rare survivor from a glamorous transatlantic design moment—where Italian artistry met American retail elegance.
  • Attributed to:
    Ugo Zaccagnini (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.25 in (38.74 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
  • Style:
    Tang (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Earthenware,Majolica,Glazed,Patinated
  • Place of Origin:
    Italy
  • Period:
    1950-1959
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Horse in good condition made to look old,.
  • Seller Location:
    Kilmarnock, VA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU883043815732

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