The Year of the Horse 2026
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Welcome to The Edit.
A new chapter for Gallery Gifts, and a place for our products to tell their stories. The Edit is where we pause over the objects that catch the eye and the imagination, tracing their inspiration, their craft and the confidence they bring to a home. Consider it a companion to our collections, shaped by curiosity, good taste, and a belief that the best gifts always carry meaning.
Our first edition takes its lead from the Year of the Horse, a symbol long associated with energy, elegance and forward motion. There is something irresistibly optimistic about the horse. Strong yet refined, purposeful yet beautiful, it speaks to momentum without haste and confidence without excess. It is an idea that feels particularly apt right now, as we look ahead with clarity and renewed spirit.
From sculptural forms and decorative accents to thoughtfully designed pieces that nod to movement, craftsmanship and strength, we have curated a selection from Gallery Gifts that embodies this sensibility. These are objects that feel alive in a space, pieces with presence, character and a sense of direction. Not literal interpretations, but thoughtful echoes of the horse’s grace and vitality, translated through materials, texture and form.
The Edit will continue to explore themes like this, drawing threads between culture, design and the things we choose to live with. For now, we invite you to step into the Year of the Horse with us and discover the inspirations that set the tone for the months ahead.
The Year of the Horse: Spirit, Style and a Certain Restless Elegance
In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse is a creature of momentum. It symbolises freedom, confidence and forward motion, a sign associated with people who are energetic, independent and charismatic.
The Year of the Horse appears every twelve years and is traditionally linked with movement, ambition and a desire to push beyond the familiar.
Historically, the Horse holds a revered place in Chinese culture. Long before it became a zodiac emblem, it was essential to travel, trade and warfare, a marker of progress and power. In classical Chinese art, horses are often shown mid-stride or in flight, manes lifted, muscles taut, capturing vitality rather than stillness. That sense of motion remains central to its symbolism today.
In the home, the Horse is believed to bring dynamism and optimism. It suits spaces that thrive on energy: entrance halls, studies, living rooms and anywhere ideas are formed or plans are made. Stylistically, it bridges the decorative and the symbolic, offering both visual impact and meaning without veering into the literal.
Inspirations
This Mini Bay Horse Bust by Matt Buckley captures the spirit of the Year of the Horse with quiet confidence and sculptural finesse. Poised and alert, the form celebrates strength, independence and forward energy, all hallmarks of the Horse in Chinese symbolism. The rich bay colouring and contemporary lines give it a modern elegance, while the bust format focuses on intelligence and presence rather than motion alone. It works beautifully on a shelf, desk or console, adding a sense of purpose and momentum to a space without overwhelming it. A refined way to introduce the symbolism of the Year of the Horse into the home, subtle, expressive and full of character.
Noble Ron on a Chess Horse draws richly from the world of Harry Potter, evoking one of the series’ most defining moments where courage, strategy and self-belief trump brute force. The chess knight instantly recalls Ron Weasley’s act of bravery, a reminder that true progress often requires sacrifice and clear thinking. Set against the symbolism of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, the piece becomes a celebration of momentum guided by intelligence and heart rather than haste. It reflects the Year of the Horse at its most meaningful: bold, decisive and forward-looking, making it a compelling decorative statement for a study, bookcase or living space layered with story and intent.
The Lalique Small Horse Kazak figure distils the Year of the Horse into something exquisitely restrained and timeless. Sculpted in crystal with Lalique’s signature clarity and poise, the horse appears calm yet alert, embodying strength held in balance rather than display. This sense of controlled energy mirrors the zodiac’s deeper meaning: confidence, independence and forward momentum guided by discipline. Light catches the crystal form beautifully, giving it a quiet presence that suits shelves, desks or cabinets where elegance matters. As a decorative piece, it celebrates the Year of the Horse through refinement and intention, a symbol of progress expressed with unmistakable grace from Lalique.