Chinese Han Style Gilt Scroll Weight

A belt mount formed as a ram running left with large curled horns, legs tucked beneath body; mounting lug with discoid head to reverse. 32 grams, 43 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

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 ceramic horse and (possibly female) rider figure modelled in the round, the animal posed standing on a rectangular base, its stocky neck arched and head held facing down, tail resting between hindlegs, with painted detailing to the head, mane and harness and wearing a saddle cloth and saddle; the rider wearing a full-length robe, arms and hands relaxed by the sides, poised to grip the horse's reins near to the saddle, stylised facial detailing and hair tied in a top knot. 1.67 kg, 32 cm high



Acquired on the UK art market, circa 2001. UK private collection.