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_900x900.jpg "Chinese Tang Horse with Separate Rider")
_200x200.jpg "Chinese Tang Horse with Separate Rider")
.jpg "Chinese Tang Horse with Separate Rider")
LOT 0416
Chinese Tang Horse with Separate Rider
TANG DYNASTY, 618-907 A.D.
12 5/8 in. (1.75 kg, 32 cm high).
A ceramic horse and rider figure modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing, the horse standing on a rectangular base, its stocky neck and head slightly turned to the right, ears pricked forwards, cropped mane and short, dressed tail; rider seated in saddle wearing a knee-length robe, hood and riding boots, one arm held in front of his body, the other raised above his head, detailing to his face; remains of polychrome pigmentation; the upper half of the rider's body modelled separately.
ProvenanceFrom the R.M.Hicks OBE private collection, UK.
Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.C106u29 from Oxford Authentication.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 54.169 and 1991.253.7a, b, for similar figures.
FootnotesA symbol of military strength and social status, the horse was ever a potent mythological and symbolic animal in China. During the Tang Dynasty, both polo and hunting from horseback became fashionable for men and women. It was also during the Tang Dynasty period that female court attendants on horses appeared in art and in tomb sculpture. The fruits of China's relationship with the horse include three of the most important innovations in equestrian history: the horse collar, the stirrup and harnesses based on the breast strap. The failure of China's domestic horse breeding programmes forced them to artificially inflate the price of tea (the production of which was controlled by China), so that tea could be traded for horses from their neighbours.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Chinese Tang Horse with Female Rider
Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
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. -
Chinese Tang Hunter Pair
Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,222
A pair of ceramic mounted hunter figures, each modelled in the round on an integral rectangular base; horses standing facing with pricked ears, cropped manes and dressed tails, wearing bridles, harnesses and cruppers with studs and pendants; seated riders turned left in their saddles, directing their attention skywards, arms and hands positioned as though drawing bows (now absent); one saddle cloth possibly designed to mimic animal skin, the other with a floral design; successful kills slung over each horse's rump; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. 7.8 kg total, 40.5-41.5 cm high
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970-1990s. From a private West Country collection. Accompanied by two original thermoluminescence analysis report nos.C122g64 and C122g68 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11517-195275. -
Chinese Tang Standing Camel
Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £761
A ceramic Bactrian camel modelled in the round standing on a rectangular base, head raised and mouth held ajar, tail swished to one side of the rump, wearing a saddle cloth; traces of polychrome pigmentation. 2.35 kg, 34.5 cm high
Acquired on the London art market, 2003. UK private collection.
