Tianma

As Tianma (Chinese天马, Pinyin Tiānmǎ, sky horse, himmliches horse ') were called in ancient China, long-legged, fast horses. The term tianma immersed in Shanhaijing on first. They appear as mythical creatures, which supernatural and mystical powers are ascribed. Over time, as tianma the horses from the north-western steppes were called, who were slim and long-legged as opposed to the ethnic Chinese ponies.

Tianma in the culture

Since the earliest written records of tianma this is known as positive and auspicious symbol. The first source which mentioned the term tianma the classic of mountains and seas - Shanhaijing. Also in the Shiji by Sima Qian of the early Han period it is mentioned. There appeared several times in the 24th chapter / role, but also in other places. Part, these texts refer to the tianma as auspicious symbol, but also in part to the real animals from the Central Asian steppes.

In accordance with its positive connotation were the so-called sky horses extremely popular omens and their real-life counterparts, the horses from the steppes northwest of China a coveted tribute or a coveted commodity or war booty. They were often shown until late in the imperial period in painting or sculpture. One of the most famous depictions is probably the bronze flying horse prancing on a swallow of a han -temporal grave in Gansu. Also known are the numerous representations of such horses as grave goods in the form of three-color ceramic ( sancai ) from the Tang Dynasty.