Chinese Ming Terracotta Attendant on Horseback

MING DYNASTY, 1368-1644 A.D. OR LATER

12 in. (1.65 kg, 30.5 cm high).

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.

Provenance

Ex North Yorkshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

Literature

Cf. The Barakat Gallery, Chinese Art, Ming Dynasty 1368 AD-1644 AD, London (without year of publication), no.H.952 for similar

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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LOT 2037