Norddynastien Keramik Bemaltes Tonpferd, Norddynastien - 30 cm

This is a painted pottery figure of a horse, modeled in the Northern Dynasties style. The horse is depicted in a four-legged standing posture with its neck erect, head inclined slightly forward, ears pricked up, and mouth open as if neighing. A simplified saddle and saddle-cloth are molded close to its back. The figure embodies the slender, robust, and crisp sculptural style typical of the Northern Dynasties period. The surface exhibits pronounced environmental degradation and long-term weathering, with the vast majority of the original painted pigments having exfoliated to reveal the dry, dense, greyish-yellow earthenware body. Faint traces of a white slip foundation alongside sparse remnants of red and black mineral pigments are discernible within the recesses of the neck, flanks, and facial features. Natural soil encrustations and a hardened, dried patination adhere to the lower limbs, hooves, and portions of the saddle. The underbelly features a large, fully open hollow-cast structure, with the interior showing coarse, unsmoothed mold marks and persistent subterranean soil stains embedded into the ceramic matrix.

Attributed style: Northern Dynasties style，4th–6th Century
Material: Earthenware with painted pigments

Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.