Artist: Tang Cheng 唐成 Material: Porcelain, Jun red glaze (钧红釉), Ji blue glaze (季蓝釉), applied gold lustre Technique: High-temperature glaze firing; gold lustre applied freely by hand (彩金). Each piece bears a unique gilding pattern and cannot be reproduced.

Dimensions: 22×11×23 cm (L×W×H) In Chinese, the phrase 'Yi Ma Dang Xian' (一马当先) describes the rider at the head of the charge — the first horse into the field. For centuries it has been used to wish someone success in a new undertaking: to hope they will lead rather than follow, arrive first, and take the opportunity while it is still open.

The pair is glazed in the two great high-fire colours of Chinese ceramics. The crimson horse wears Jun red (钧红), the celebrated deep red first fired in the Song-dynasty kilns of Henan and still among the most difficult glazes to control. Its companion wears Ji blue (季蓝), a quieter, more introspective tone.

Across each body, gold lustre has been applied freely by hand. The gilding moves without template — sometimes pooled like sunlight on water, sometimes gathered along mane and hooves. No two pieces share the same pattern; each is, in effect, a one-off expression of the artist's hand.

Small enough for a desk or shelf, sold individually or as a pair. Suited to a new venture, a promotion, or simply as a daily reminder to take the lead.