A KOREAN BRONZE HORSE WARRANT, MA-PAE

Joseon Dynasty, dated to 1723

The circular plaque cast to one side with a single galloping horse, the reverse with an inscription that states 'Official Government Mint, House of I one horse warrant, Yongzheng, first year, first moon' and a four-character seal mark that reads 'Official Government Mint Seal',

11.8cm long, 532g

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PROVENANCE:

UK Private Collection, London

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NOTE:

Korean horse warrants (ma-pae) were issued to the officials of the central government of Joseon when they undertook official trips to regional areas. It was a certificate that permitted the use of the government horses kept at the stations of transportation hubs around the country. The number of horses cast to one side denotes the holder's rank and the number of horses they were permitted to use, and the reverse contains information such as the date of issuance and the seal of the Office of Seals and Badges (Sangseowon).

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REFERENCE:

An identical horse warrant is housed in the collection of the National Museum of Korea, Seoul, acc. no. Namsan 747. A related warrant, bearing five horses and with a differing inscription to the reverse, is in the British Museum collection, acc. no. 1992,0615.60, and published in 'Korean Collections at the British Museum', National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Seoul, 2016, Cat. 308, p.370, no.916.