A Deccani Bronze horse India, 17th/ 18th CenturyA Deccani Bronze horse India, 17th/ 18th Centurythe horse rearing, wearing an ornate bridle, saddle and other trappings decorated in floral and foliate motifs, a hole through the seat of the saddle and chest, mounted 22 cm. highZoomorphic subjects were popular in Sultanate and Mughal India, representing a rare tradition of non-religious figurative sculpture, often avoided in deference to Muslim traditions. The ornate trappings on our horse demonstrate a Hindu influence in contrast to the more simplified horses and animals produced in the Deccan which have their origins in early Islamic metalwork. The comma-shaped curls featured on the present lot further indicate a Southern origin, similar examples of which can be found on other zoomorphic metalwork from the area (see M. Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, London, 1997, p. 95, cat. 87 & p. 103, cat. 113).