Lot 64
East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A magnificent mold-made earthenware horse, finely modeled and covered with nice traces of white and gray pigments. Standing proudly, the noble steed presents an expressive visage with wide-open eyes, a pronounced snout with flared nostrils, and an open mouth displaying a bottom row of carefully incised teeth, all topped by a pair of raised alert ears. A relief saddle rests on its back, while a risen mane adorns the curve of its neck. The ancient animal is rendered in fine detail with skillfully delineated hooves and musculature, as well as a perforation on its posterior which previously served for insertion of a long, flowing horse tail. During the Han dynasty, the ancients placed special mingqi figures like this hollow horse in tombs of the elite to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. Size: 16.75" L x 4.75" W x 17.75" H (42.5 cm x 12.1 cm x 45.1 cm); 18.75" H (47.6 cm) on included custom stand.
According to Zhixin Jason Sun, Curator of the Department of Asian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The importance of horses rose to new heights in the Tang dynasty (618907) when, as emblems of imperial power, they marched in state processions, galloped through royal hunting parks, raced across polo fields, and even danced before the emperor. Their portraits were painted by leading court artists, and their majestic form was modeled in brightly glazed pottery as tomb figurines and sculpted on marble plaques to adorn emperors' tombs as symbols of dynastic vitality." Beyond this, the horse played a significant role in the unification of the Chinese Empire, as the ancients could 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.
We see evidence of the reverence for the horse in the visual culture of ancient China. Imagery of horses abound in painting, literature, and sculpture. During the Tang dynasty, artists created burial art representing these revered animals. This particular piece depicts a large charger; this type of horse 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.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Please note that this piece is recommended for local pick up only.
Provenance: ex-private S.H. collection, Santa Clara, California, USA, acquired in 1995; ex-Folk Art International, Menlo Park, San Francisco, California, USA
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#174511
- Condition: Recommended for local pick up only. Professionally repaired with restoration over some break lines and other break lines visible. Missing tail. Expected chips, nicks, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Liberal remaining pigment.
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