Lot 88
East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A handsome pottery horse and rider, both rendered in elegant naturalism and a refined sense of nobility, with great remains of vibrant pigments. The muscular steed stands upright with a proud, puffed chest and neat coiffure, while the rider straddles his back, arms bent as though holding reigns. Tomb attendants like this one are part of a class of artifacts called mingqi - sometimes known as "spirit utensils" or "vessels for ghosts". They became popular in the Han Dynasty and would persist for several centuries. Alongside figures like this one were musicians, athletes, animals, structures, etc. Size: 10.1" L x 4.1" W x 12.2" H (25.7 cm x 10.4 cm x 31 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Even though they were mass produced, mingqi of the Han Dynasty often show a high level of detail and naturalism. These were designed to assist the po, the part of the soul of the deceased that remained underground with the body while the hun, the other part of the soul, ascended. Caring for the po seems to have taken on a new level of meaning in the Han period, with more elaborate rituals and tomb construction arising.
Tomb attendants like this one are part of a class of artifacts called mingqi - sometimes known as "spirit utensils" or "vessels for ghosts". They became popular in the Han Dynasty and would persist for several centuries. Alongside figures like this one were musicians, athletes, animals, structures
Even though they were mass produced, mingqi of the Han Dynasty often show a high level of detail and naturalism. These were designed to assist the po, the part of the soul of the deceased that remained underground with the body while the hun, the other part of the soul, ascended. Caring for the po seems to have taken on a new level of meaning in the Han period, with more elaborate rituals and tomb construction arising.
The horse in this lot has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.
Provenance: private Constance McCormick Fearing estate, Montecito, California, USA, acquired before 2004
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#181099
- Condition: Rider is missing proper right leg and horse is missing right hind leg. Both have been professionally repaired and restored with break lines visible in some areas. Nicks, chips, and abrasions as shown. Liberal remaining pigment and detail. TL holes to horse's rear left leg and beneath jaw.
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