An ancient Chinese greyware rider statuette dating to the Han Dynasty. The figure is depicted wearing double robes and a tight, flat-topped headpiece. The facial features, including the eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, broad nose (now slightly chipped) and mouth, have been finely carved. The legs, now repaired and displays horizontal cracks, are modelled to be widely open so that the figurine could be placed on top of the back of a horse statuette to become a set. Drilled holes on the rider's hands suggest the presence of reins. Earthly encrustations to the surface, along with other signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as some surface pitting and chipping. The piece is accompanied by a custom-made stand. N.B. Heavy shipping applies. Grave goods were an important status symbol in ancient China, so the affluent and important would be accompanied in their travels through the afterlife with numerous depictions of people, items and animals forming a procession. Such pottery figures were made for the service and entertainment of the owner, ensuring that their journey in the underworld was a happy one. Tomb attendants seemed to have first appeared during the Western Han Dynasty. However, it is during Tang China that the cultural tradition of displaying wealth in elite tombs reached its peak, with an increased production of pottery statuettes. Measurements: (circa) W 15.3cm x H 27.3cm Provenance: Previously from a Hong Kong collection. Ex property of a London, UK, gentleman