Chinese Polished Green Stone Tool Collection

With rich chocolate-brown glaze, drum-shaped with carinated shoulder and broad mouth; four applied loops to the shoulder. 5.65 kg, 40 cm high



with a London, UK gallery 1971.

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.

Unglazed model head of a soldier wearing a helmet with dommed crest, segmented bowl and lateral curtain; stylised facial features; hollow-formed, mounted on a custom-made stand. 918 grams total, 20.2 cm high including stand



Ex Hong Kong collection, 1990s.

The headdress of late Sui and early Tang warriors was a black cloth (boutou) drawn over the head and elaborately tied into a sausage-like shape at the rear. For more formal wear this cloth cap, especially the free ends of the knot at the back, would be stiffly starched.