Thai Green-Glazed Mother and Child Figurine

A discoid miniature Tang style table with scrolled rim, five zoomorphic legs, openwork pendants, enamelled image of two fenghuang birds on a field of vegetation. 488 grams, 22cm wide

Fair condition.

Ex Hong Kong gallery. From a West Country, UK, collection.

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.

A ceramic vessel composed of a bulbous body with 'leather-look' texture, everted rim and rounded base. 1 kg, 18 cm wide



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.