Chinese Polished Green Stone Tool Collection

Modelled as a standing horse with detachable female rider; rider with dressed hair, ample sleeves, layered robes and painted face; horse with curved neck and bowed head, ears pricked; painted face, bridle, harness and saddle blanket. 4.25 kg total, 43.5 cm high



From a Hong Kong Collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.C124a6 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12098-213520.

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.

With tiered piriform body, two lateral rectangular loop handles below the equator, the upper body painted with ovals filled with various geometric motifs and hatched lines within plain bands, bulb to the neck with single loop handle and neck with everted rim. 11.25 kg, 56 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.