Issued in 2014, this model is item #1715 and was a regular run for that year only. He was issued on the popular Esprit mold sculpted by Kathleen Moody.
I have to commend Breyer for embracing some multiculturalism with this release, though I can't help but wonder what the Chinese painters thought while they were working on these models. It's an interesting design - I wonder if anyone actually from China gave input on it, or if it was strictly designed by Breyer? Either way, I like the shade of blue they used on the mane/tail/legs, though the other color combinations seem a bit garish (maybe that was intentional?). Either way, it would be great to get a Chinese person's take on it. And for that matter, I wouldn't mind seeing some other decorators based on other countries' traditions - that could give us some interesting designs and patterns.
If I remember right, there were some slight variations to these models, too - some of them had more green, while others had more red or purple.
Esprit himself has his detractors, and I'll admit he has a few unflattering angles, but I like him nonetheless. He does what he was intended to do - capture the essence of the equine spirit (IMO). While his anatomy isn't perfect, many Moody molds have the same issues, yet they sell well with the public - so clearly I'm not the only one that's not a stickler about correctness. It'll be interesting to see what Breyer does with the mold next. He's been a web special twice, was the surprise model for Breyerfest 2016, and has appeared in the regular run line twice, amongst other releases. Will we see him again as a web special this year? Or maybe he'll show up at Breyerfest? I kinda wonder if he'll appear at Breyerfest in some fashion. Hopefully it's an attainable release, if so!
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