Signature R Inside a Triangle - Miniature Horse Carvings

[PurpleChalk]

Signature R Inside an Upside Down Triangle on Miniature Horse Carvings

I have purchased 8 beautiful antique miniature horses (3 inches long by 3 inches high) carved in a dark cherry/mahogony color wood. They came from an estate sale in Northern Indiana.

The horses are extremely detailed and in beautiful condition. They appear to be a SET of seven (plus one duplicate) - all about the same size and style - but each horse is posed differently. Only ONE has any marking on it - it is a capital R inside an upside down triangle. The triangle has curved points - shaped similar to a pool table triangle rack. The Triangle R is about 1/3 of an inch high and was probably stamped into the wood with a tool. You can see pictures of the horses at http://www.angelfire.com/in/DreamsHa...ht_horses.html

Does anyone recognize this signature or have an idea who may have carved these? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you... PurpleChalk

[wade clark]

Hi PurpleChalk,
Welcome to the Forum!
My guess is that they are Chinese or Japanese, carved out of Rosewood.
There is a set on ebay that strongly resembles them. The seller is in England, I believe. The opening bid is under $9 for the set of 8. Ebay #7341169461.
Out of China or Japan, they could be Netsuke carvings though I think they're bigger than any Netsuke I've seen. There are also Yuanbao horse carvings from that part of the world.
There are Netsukes and similar carvings that are several hundred years old. They have become very collectible and therefore reproductions are flooding the market.
The horses you have may be old or new. I don't have a clue, though if you check the set on ebay and they are an exact match I'd say they're newer. That seller on ebay may be able to tell you more. In either case, a nice hand carved set! C O O L horses!
Maybe someone else can give you more accurate information.
Good luck!
Wade

[Callynne]

Hi PurpleChalk, I don't know a thing about those horses, except that I really like them!! And I wanted to say 'Welcome!' too! Callynne

[rick-in-seattle]

PC,
I know very little about these ponies, but I will share what I know.

They are most often referred to as the "Peking horses", the set of eight must be complete, or it has no value to the Chinese.

They represent the eight chargers of Mu Wang (approximately 750 B.C.) the fifth ruler of the Chou dynasty.

The horses, each of which had a name, were eventually put out to pasture as a reward for their years of service.

One of the set is always shown rolling on his back to indicate his freedom from the harness.

Myself, I prefer the Italian depictions of the Peking horses.