Unknown Italian maker, 15 cm tall, prob. 60s, marked “Italy”

Ceramic horses have enjoyed fame since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), when they were interred with the wealthy deceased in burial mounds. No deathly hallows for this fun and colorful fellow, though! He is a great representative of the MCM ceramic horse revival, which saw major manufacturers from Bitossi in Italy to Bay Keramik in West Germany all trot out (sorry) fine examples for the discerning homeowner. Minor factories followed the trend, of course, and came up with even more colorful styles (like this one) to compete. With his assertive mane and tail, blue swirls and stamped crosses, he stands out against the crowd. It’s a shame we don’t know who designed or made him; I suppose they are long gone. As long as this little horse is around, however, their artistry lives on.