Chinese Ming Glazed Terracotta Tomb Attendant

Modelled on a rectangular base, the horse standing in harness and with a long saddlecloth; the rider modelled seated in the saddle, arms held before the body, holding cymbals. 1.65 kg, 30.5 cm high



Ex North Yorkshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

The finest of ceramic figures during the Ming Dynasty have a simplicity and compactness of modelling that makes them extremely impressive. Far greater freedom of movement was possible in ceramic sculpture, which now lent an air of gaiety and splendour already glittering with yellow, blue, and green tiles. Boldly conceived figures of men and horses in green-and-brown-glazed terracotta (liu-li) are splendid examples of the confident manner in which Ming craftsmen revived and transformed the style of the Tang Dynasty. These attendants on horseback are excellent examples of Ming Dynasty tomb pottery. The glazed sculptures were placed in burial chambers in order to flaunt social status, wealth, and power.

A dynamic pair of ceramic polo player figures modelled in the round, riding galloping horses in vigorous poses, each a female in a robe with long sleeves and extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation, detailing to the harnesses and rider's garments; each with a custom-made display stand. 10.65 kg total, 45-47 cm high including stands



From a West Country, UK, collection, formed in the 1990s. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.C124a7 from Oxford Authentication for one of the figures. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12097-213518.

A hare's fur tea bowl of conical form, with everted rim and discoid foot, the interior decorated with a lustrous blackish glaze shot through with streaks of blue-silver 'hare's fur' markings, the exterior displaying russet and silver markings, the brown ware visible towards the foot. 302 grams, 12.9 cm



UK gallery, early 2000s.