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c. 1930

Figure of a Horse

Kiyomizu Rokubei V

Japanese, 1875 - 1959

This artist was probably inspired by an ancient Japanese sculpture entitled Haniwa. Historically, the horse has been a highly admired animal in Japan, both as a steed for warriors and as an object of worship. It is a Japanese tradition to give toy horses to little boys, the original idea being that such a toy would inspire courage and determination in a male child.

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Kiyomizu Rokubei V, Figure of a Horse, c. 1930 | Philadelphia Museum of Art