Japanese Vintage Horse Figurine Brass Set Rare Year of the Horse

Discover an exceptionally charming and unusual piece of Japanese decorative art — a Japanese ETO (干支) Horse figurine set, featuring a beautifully detailed adult horse with a smaller accompanying foal.

The two horses are presented on a traditional black display base with a vivid red fabric insert and decorative name plaque. Their sculptural bodies feature a striking silver-colored finish with delicate gold-toned speckled decoration, giving the set a distinctive handcrafted appearance.

This set is particularly interesting because it comes complete with its original presentation box and original Japanese documentation, including an artist biography/exhibition history. The accompanying document provides information about the artist and his participation in Japanese art exhibitions, making this more than simply a decorative zodiac piece.

🐎 Japanese ETO – Year of the Horse

The horse is the seventh animal in the traditional Japanese ETO (十二支) zodiac cycle. Horse years return every 12 years, including 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026.

In Japanese culture, the horse has long been associated with movement, vitality and forward progress. Horses also have an important historical connection with Japanese shrines and traditional religious culture.

This makes the set an especially meaningful gift for someone born in a Horse year, or for collectors interested in Japanese ETO art and traditional annual zodiac decorations.

🎨 Artist Documentation

The original Japanese document included with the piece contains the artist's biography and exhibition history. The document identifies 大森 孝志 (Omori Takashi) and records participation in Japanese art exhibitions and awards.

The documentation is included exactly as found with the piece and is an important part of its provenance and collector appeal.

✨ Highlights
Authentic Japanese vintage ETO zodiac horse set
Two-horse composition featuring an adult horse and foal
Striking silver-colored finish with gold-toned decorative details
Traditional black display base with red fabric
Original presentation box included
Original Japanese artist/documentation sheet included
Artist information and exhibition history included
Traditional Uma / 午 – Year of the Horse theme
Beautiful Japanese decorative and collectible art
Excellent display piece for a home, office, study or collection
Sourced from a Japan Antique Government Auction
A particularly unusual and collectible Japanese ETO piece
Condition

Very good vintage condition overall.

The horses, display base and presentation components show natural signs of age and previous storage/use, including minor surface marks and small imperfections consistent with a vintage Japanese decorative piece.

The metallic finish has some natural variation and age-related character, including areas of patina and variation in the gold-toned decoration. The original box also shows signs of age and storage wear.

The original Japanese documentation is included.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as the photos form an important part of the condition description.

Additional Information

Item: Japanese ETO Horse Figurine Set
Subject: Horse / Uma (午)
Style: Japanese Zodiac / ETO
Period: Vintage; exact production year not confirmed
Origin: Japan
Material: Metal with silver-colored and gold-toned decorative finish
Base: Black lacquer-style display base with red fabric
Includes: Two horse figures, display base, original presentation box and Japanese documentation
Provenance: Japan Government Antique Auction

The Japanese zodiac, known as ETO (干支), follows a repeating 12-animal cycle. The Horse (午) is the seventh sign, and 2026 is also a Horse year.

This is a wonderful example of the type of Japanese zodiac art traditionally created as meaningful decorative objects and gifts, particularly around New Year celebrations.

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.