Description:

East, Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A hollow, mold-formed pottery horse with a muscular body, a sizeable saddle placed upon his back, and a vent hole underside his stomach. He stands atop slender legs on an integral slab base, the raised head is alert, perked ears and eyes staring ahead, the head turned ever so slightly to the left. This horse is a mingqi - sometimes known as "spirit utensil." They became popular in the Han Dynasty and would persist for several centuries, designed to provide for and accompany the soul of the deceased in the afterlife. This statue is a large charger, perhaps a military horse, riderless but saddled in preparation when reunited with its master's soul. Size: 15" L x 4" W x 15.25" H (38.1 cm x 10.2 cm x 38.7 cm)

This piece 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 is available to the buyer upon request.

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#171875

  • Condition: Repaired and restored. Repairs to snout ears, and tail, with infill to gaps. Stable hair line fissures on body. TL hole under snout and second TL hole between rear legs. Earthen and mineral deposits throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 2, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000