This gorgeous figurine of a horse closely resembles Indian decorative horse figurines, particularly those from Rajasthan or Gujarat, known for their colorful, embroidered, and beaded craftsmanship.: In India, small wooden or fabric-covered horse figurines (often called “toy horses” or “folk art horses”) are popular, especially in Rajasthan. These are adorned with mirrors, tassels, embroidery, and metallic accents, reflecting traditional Rajasthani or Gujarati art used in festivals, home decor, or as toys. The red and purple tassels, silver harness, and patterned fabric match this style perfectly.
These horses are often linked to the Marwari or Kathiawari horse breeds, known for their curved ears and spirited nature, though the figurine stylizes rather than replicates them. They’re crafted by artisans using wood frames wrapped in cloth, decorated with thread, beads, and metal, and sold as souvenirs or festival items (e.g., during Diwali or Holi).
At 9 inches tall, it fits the scale of such decorative pieces, which range from 6–12 inches and are designed to be eye-catching rather than realistic.
These embroidered horses are a staple in Rajasthani markets, often exported globally. The use of mirrors and tassels is a hallmark of Rajasthani embroidery (e.g., “mirror work” or “zari work”).
This beautiful horse was bought by my aunt on a trip to India about 30 years ago (I'm guessing here).
I'm asking $28.