Printmaking
Running Horse
by Xu Beihong · Yixing,Jiangsu$1,940
In stock
MaterialInk on xuan paper, mounted on silkscroll
Dimensions50 x 50 cm
Year1940
EditionUnique work
Authenticity Guaranteed
Artist-estate Certificate of Authenticity, hand-numbered in pencil at the point of pulling.
Lifetime Provenance Support
Free written provenance confirmation on request — for resale, insurance, donation, or independent appraisal, in perpetuity.
Worldwide Express Shipping
Free over $500. Acid-free archival tissue, rigid tube, fully insured.
14-Day Returns
Easy returns on undamaged works in original packaging.
The Story
This work is one of Xu Beihong’s most celebrated horse paintings, created during a period when he poured his hopes for China into his art. Xu, a master of blending Western realism with Eastern ink art, was famous for his horses, which he painted to represent courage, progress, and national pride. In Three Galloping Horses, he uses dynamic lines and vibrant washes to bring the three horses to life: the chestnut, white, and black horses move in perfect harmony, their manes and tails flying as they race forward. The soft green background grounds the scene, emphasizing the horses’ power against the open sky. For Xu, horses were more than animals; they were symbols of the Chinese people’s resilience during difficult times. He once said, “A horse’s gallop is like the march of a nation—unstoppable, full of hope.” This work captures that spirit, with each horse representing a different aspect of strength: the chestnut for warmth, the white for purity, and the black for determination. Today, it remains a beloved example of his mastery, admired for its energy, symbolism, and perfect fusion of Eastern and Western artistic styles.
Craft & Process
Combining Western anatomy with traditional Chinese ink techniques, the work uses bold strokes and soft washes. It aims to capture the horses’ vitality, symbolizing freedom, progress, and the indomitable human spirit.
About the Artist
Xu Beihong
Yixing,Jiangsu
Modern Chinese painting master who fused European realism with traditional ink art, renowned worldwide for his galloping horses.
View full profile →More by Xu Beihong
View all →
Collector Reviews
Be among the first to own this work. Every Kiln & Ink reviewer is a verified buyer; we don’t accept anonymous submissions.
No reviews yet for Running Horse.