The Karabakh horse was so integral to Azerbaijan culture that if an owner of a Karabakh horse dies, it is declared a 'widow'. If an owner is to be punished by authorities, the hair of their Karabakh horse will be cut.
Symbol of Adaptive Power and Beauty
Sultan, a Karabakh horse with its trainer Javid at the Baku State Hippodrome (Source: AramcoWorld)
With skin radiating golden sunlight like brown butter or the most vibrant of coppers, the Karabakh horse is native to the Caucasus region of Azerbaijan. Originating from the Turkoman horse from the Turkmenistan steppes, now extinct for over a millennium, the Karabakh horse adapted from the rocky barren terrain to lands filled with snowcapped mountains, deep valleys, and lakes. Its tight and sturdy frame, slender limbs, and uncommonly large nostrils allow it to both gallop through endless flatlands and climb mountains where the air is thin and cold. Unfortunately, just 25 years ago, they were on the brink of dying out. Specialised places like the Agjabedi Horse Center lead the charge to preserve the noble steed.
The new release in 2024, Lladró's Karabakh Horse Sculpture Limited Edition.
The Karabakh horse is the national animal of Azerbaijan and of the Aghdam and Shakti districts. When the country was still part of the Soviet Union, it was used by the republic as a diplomatic gift to the United Kingdom due to Queen Elizabeth II's love for horses. Similarly, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan also gifted her a Karabakh horse in 2022 before her untimely passing.
Many Azerbaijan proverbs reference a horse: "A horse is the wings of a man”, “A good horse adds beauty to any hero,” and “A nail will protect a horseshoe, a horse will protect a hero, a hero will protect a people.” The Karabakh is also often depicted in architectural frescoes, tapestries, postage stamps, and literature. Chovqan, a traditional Karabakh horse-riding game of Azerbaijan, was also included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2013 due to its unique history and heritage.
A Deserving Royal Entry
Lladró's tribute to the heritage of the Karabakh horse, their new Karabakh Horse Sculpture Limited Edition, was launched in spectacular fashion at the Shirvanshah Palace Museum in Azerbaijan. Guests could watch Lladró's craftsmen decorating the intricate piece in person and enjoy a live orchestra concert by the Azerbaijan National Conservatory.
Lladró's Karabakh Horse Sculpture Limited Editio launched at the Shirvanshah Palace Museum in Azerbaijan.
The piece is decorated with ancient traditions such as the Karabakh carpet with contrasting blues and reds, and a saddle finished with gold lustre and intricate floral patterns. The bridle and stirrups are made of golden brass, and the reins are made of real leather. To achieve that warm golden vibrancy of the Karabakh horse's hair, Lladró used a new and exclusive coppery enamel finish to great effect.
Resplendently graceful, the Karabakh horse is an important part of Azerbaijan's heritage and culture. Lladró's tribute to the Karabakh includes various decorative elements true to the region where the breed reigns from.
Lladró's Karabakh Horse Sculpture Limited Edition is a special creation that is available in a limited numbered quantity of only 750 pieces, so contact us to get yours pre-ordered before it runs out!