Chinese Tang Terracotta Bull

Modelled in the round with a double hump, neck gracefully resting against the back, and legs folded beneath the body. 164 grams, 56 mm



Acquired in the 1960s. From the collection of Mr Jay Gluck (1927-2000) & Mrs Sumi Hiramoto Gluck. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12063-214191.

Camel-shaped water droppers would have been perfect not only for dispensing water onto the inkstone, but also because the humps could form as a brush rest too. The form of our artefact showcases the rapid cultural interaction and integration between China and Central Asia during the early dynasties of China. By the Tang Dynasty, China was one of the most cosmopolitan empires on earth with traders and missionaries from across Asia, Europe and Africa in the capital Chang'an. Depictions of two-humped Bactrian camels in pottery symbolised wealth, trade and international networks. The famous calligrapher and painter Qi Gong (1912-2005) owned a similar gilt-bronze camel paperweight, who according to his records purchased it in an antique shop in Japan. Qi Gong even renamed his studio 'The Little Bronze Camel Studio' (xiao tong luo guan’).

Modelled on a rectangular base, the horse standing with a rounded saddlecloth; the rider modelled seated in the saddle, right arm raised and left arm held before the body; right hand modelled empty to accept a bow or other weapon; some restoration. 1.54 kg, 29.5 cm



Ex North Yorkshire, UK, collection, 1990s.

Many horses, in the Tang graves, have been found with a runnel down the length of the upper neck, and a hole at the end of the spine. These cavities were surely meant to take real horsehair manes and tails, as some later porcelain figures are adorned with wisps of real human hair threaded through holes under the nose and the chin.

Hollow-formed, modelled in the round, warrior wearing lamellar armour to chest, back and upper arms, helmet with side-flaps, padded skirt and broad leggings; left hand resting on a long hexagonal shield with midrib, right hand modelled open to accept a spear of shafted weapon. 1.4 kg, 31 cm high



From a West Country, UK, collection, formed in the 1990s.