Lot 80A
East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A lovely pottery figure of a regal court lady on horseback, most likely a funerary object of symbolic import, skillfully mold-made and adorned with red, black, and white pigments, all standing upon a rectangular plinth. The equestrian female is dressed in an elegant garment and headdress. She holds her clenched right hand before her as if pulling on reins, while her left rests at her side. Naturalistically rendered, her round face features soft contours with slender eyes beneath a sweeping brow, a flat nose, and bow lips. Her untailored robe cascades loosely over her slender form, its flowing sleeves enveloping her arms as her hair is piled high atop her head - all characteristic of the period. The horse is standing upon all four hooves implying the rider has brought her noble steed to a halt. A special example from the Tang Dynasty displaying exceptional artistry and technique! Size: 11.5" L x 4.5" W x 16" H (29.2 cm x 11.4 cm x 40.6 cm)
Who can say enough about the influence of the horse throughout the history of China! The horse played a significant role in the unification of the Chinese Empire, as this animal enabled the ancients to communicate to parties near and far due to the great speed of these noble steeds. The horse also assisted the military to conquer distant lands and grow the empire. As the desire for stronger, faster breeds grew, the ancients imported horses from Central Asia, leading to the creation of the famous Silk Road.
The horse grew very significant during the expansion of the Tang golden age. This impressive charger served as both a symbol of imperial stability that engendered bountiful trade and prosperity for the expanding empire and the reward of military exploits to the west. The most cherished horses were raised in the western kingdom of Ferghana and known as "blood-sweating horses." These were delivered as tribute to the reigning emperor. In general, for the ancient Chinese, horses were a sign of wealth.
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, and special structures. Even though they were mass produced, mingqi 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.
Provenance: private Constance McCormick Fearing estate, Montecito, California, USA, acquired before 2004
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#181050
- Condition: Professionally repaired and restored with chipping and some small losses along visible break lines. Missing horse's proper left ear and chipping to base. Expected nicks and abrasions to surface. Liberal remaining pigments and rich earthen deposits.
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