Chinese Neolithic Leather-Look Jar

A jade box with curved profile, the base carved to the exterior with a stylised landscape composed of bounding deer, trees, mountains, swirling clouds and birds; lid with raised opposed fenghuangs pierced against a pierced field, flowering vines to the rim. 394 grams, 19.5 cm wide



Acquired London, UK, in the 1990s. Property of a London gentleman.

A group of three ceramic musician figurines, each in loose-fitting garments with painted detailing: one cross-legged with a pot, another sitting with a gord, a third standing with a tambour. 1.9 kg total, 16-18 cm



Ex Hong Kong collection. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.C122k23 from Oxford Authentication for one of the figures.

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.