Horseman's Bench

Horseback riding was a gentleman's sport in Qing Dynasty China, holding a very similar social position as it did in the west. The ability to select, train, and command a fine horse was analogous to a man's ability to maneuver his colleagues in the imperial court. This bench would have been the seat where just such a man would have prepared himself for a day of riding or hunting. Bound in iron to maintain its shape, time and use have given this sculptural bench rich character.