Chinese Giant Banded Agate Bead Necklace

A ceramic horse and female rider figure, modelled in the round on a rhomboidal base; the horse portrayed with semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing, medium-length mane, short tail dressed with a ribbon, its head angled slightly downwards and ears pricked forwards; the female rider modelled seated in a saddle, wearing a knee-length robe and boots, arms held in front of her body, hands held in a gripping position to accept reins (absent), her hair dressed in a top knot, stylised facial features; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. 5.1 kg, 45 cm high



Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.C122h21 from Oxford Authentication.

In Tang art, poetry and painting the horse was exalted. The delight taken in portraying horses became an end in itself. Women were made to mount them, according to the Tang conception, so that the two can be considered together, introducing in China a fashion from Kotan.

A round-section bracelet formed from a series of coils wound off-centre; remains of strips of fabric to the external face; for a very slender wearer. 186 grams, 63 mm



Essex gallery, early 2000s.

A copper-alloy belt fitting featuring an openwork discoid design composed of four entwined dragons with snake-like bodies, each resting its head on a circular frame adjacent to a D-shaped attachment lug, interlace design to the body and anatomical detailing to the beasts. 162 grams, 88 mm wide



Acquired before the early 1970s. Ex London, UK, gallery. Property of a London gentleman.