A RARE PAINTED RED POTTERY FIGURE OF A FEMALE POLO PLAYER ASTRIDE A GALLOPING HORSE Tang Dynasty (618–907) Chang’an, Shaanxi Province, China 唐 加彩紅陶女騎手擊鞠俑 Length 35 cm; overall height 40 cm; height of horse with rider 28 cm This exceptionally rare and dynamic figure depicts a female polo player mounted on a powerful horse captured at the height of its gallop, all four legs fully extended and lifted from the ground in a moment of dramatic suspension. The modelling conveys extraordinary vitality and technical confidence, the horse’s muscular body animated by forward momentum, while the swept-back legs and raised head heighten the sense of speed and control. The horse is covered in a pale red slip—an extremely rare feature—enhancing both its sculptural presence and visual warmth. The rider is seated firmly in the saddle, her feet stretched forward in the stirrups, her body twisting decisively at the waist to the left as she prepares to strike. She is dressed in a long, tight-fitting green costume, the folds rendered with fluidity and precision. Her softly modelled face is detailed with yellow, lilac, and red pigments applied over a white slip, beneath black hair arranged in an elegant double topknot. Remarkably, much of the original polychromy survives, making this example especially notable among known figures of this type. Polo (擊鞠) was a fashionable and aristocratic sport during the Tang dynasty, particularly associated with the imperial court and elite society of Chang’an. The depiction of a female polo player is of exceptional significance, reflecting the unusually prominent and active role of women in Tang court culture. Such images embody the cosmopolitan spirit, confidence, and openness of the Tang empire at its height, when foreign influences, athletic pursuits, and courtly leisure flourished side by side. This figure is closely related to the celebrated group of four female polo players in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, published in Handbook of the Collections, Kansas City, 1959, p. 208. See also M. Medley, Tang Pottery and Porcelain, pls. 41 and 51, and compare the closely related polo player exhibited at the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1953–56, catalogue pl. 2432, p. 22. Examples of this subject are exceedingly rare, and it is particularly uncommon to find a figure retaining such a rich and varied palette—white, red, yellow, and green on the rider—together with the pale red slip on the horse. Provenance: Old private collection, acquired in the 2000s. -Condition The figure is in very good overall condition for a Tang dynasty painted pottery sculpture of this age and complexity. There is wear and pigment loss consistent with burial and great age, with notable areas of original polychromy preserved across both rider and horse. Minor chips, surface abrasion, and small losses are present, particularly to exposed areas such as the extremities. As is typical for excavated Chinese pottery figures, there are old restorations and stabilisation, sensitively carried out and unobtrusive. The sculpture remains structurally sound and visually compelling, with outstanding movement, presence, and rarity. -A certificate of authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialists in Chinese pottery since 1966, Amsterdam) will accompany the piece. -Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1966) This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1966 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter. Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes: • Detailed stylistic and typological analysis • Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics • Comparative research with museum and literature examples We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing. Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality. For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist. -Shipping The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched in a custom wooden crate within three working days, shipped by DHL with full insurance.