A whimsical horse figurine dubbed the "messy little horse" has become an unexpected cultural phenomenon at Shandong Art Museum, resonating deeply with young audiences across Asia. The clay creation, officially named Ma Biaobiao, features a wildly expressive synthetic mane that visitors can style themselves – a design choice fueling its viral status in early 2026.
Inspired by Qi Baishi's iconic galloping horse painting, the figurine's intentionally rough-hewn aesthetic contrasts with traditional polished museum reproductions. Its tangled hair sculpture has sparked social media comparisons to morning commutes and workplace fatigue, with many young professionals humorously declaring "this is me before coffee" in online posts.
The museum's cultural preservation team emphasizes the figurine's hands-on appeal: "Ma Biaobiao isn't just art – it's an invitation to create. Visitors become collaborators by redesigning the mane daily." Available in multiple color variations since its January 2026 release, the figurine has reportedly tripled gift shop footfall at the Shandong institution.
