Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Horse with removable polychrome saddle. TL Tested - 44 cm
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Current bid
€ 700
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 6,800 - € 8,300
65 other people are watching this object
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Tang dynasty Chinese terracotta horse with a separately modelled removable polychrome saddle, 44 cm high by 42 cm wide, in very good condition and TL tested.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
CHINA, TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
- The result of the Oxford thermoluminescence test number C121j83, is consistent with the dating of the item, Tang dynasty.
Height: 44 cm (17 1/4 in.)
Width: 42 cm (16 1/2 in.)
Elegantly modelled standing with confident poise, this superb pottery figure depicts a spirited horse, its slender neck gently arched and head turned slightly downward, imbuing it with an attentive yet graceful expression. The horse stands majestically on three legs, its raised left rear leg suspended freely without support—a distinctive and sophisticated sculptural feature demonstrating the artist’s mastery of balance and proportion. Remarkably, the figure remains stable and balanced without the addition of a supporting base beneath the elevated leg, underscoring the exceptional craftsmanship of Tang artisans. Such a pose, uncommon in ceramic sculpture, suggests the desire to animate the figure with naturalistic tension and movement, a hallmark of high-status tomb figures from this era.
The separately-modelled saddle, a rare survival, retains traces of vibrant original polychrome decoration, including rich hues of cinnabar red, ochre, and creamy white, further highlighting the high status and wealth symbolized by this fine steed. The saddle is fully removable—an exceedingly rare feature in Tang pottery—which not only enhances the realism of the piece but also reveals the extraordinary technical sophistication of its creators. This unique aspect would have added interactive and ceremonial value, possibly allowing for ritual dressing or display of the horse within a funerary context. Its survival in such a complete and polychrome state makes this piece exceptionally rare and academically significant.
Particularly noteworthy is the delicately sculpted ornament placed prominently between the ears, in the form of an intricately detailed lotus-petal sun-wheel. This fine detail, visible in accompanying close-up photography, is not merely decorative but symbolic, likely connoting status, divine protection, or celestial association. It lends further refinement and distinction to an already outstanding figure.
Note: It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate within 3 working days by FedEx. Shipped with Insurance!
Our Guarantee: The above item is guaranteed to be of the time period and condition as described, has been purchased legally and is legal to buy and sell under all international laws to cultural patrimony.
- All items legal to buy/sell under The Netherlands covering cultural patrimony and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
- A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialist in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam) will accompany the item.
-Provenance: Old private collection, London, UK
Condition: Very good; exhibiting minor and expected surface wear and pigment loss consistent with burial and age. Minor restoration as typical of excavated pottery.
Important information.
The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate by FedEx.
Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own cou
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
CHINA, TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
- The result of the Oxford thermoluminescence test number C121j83, is consistent with the dating of the item, Tang dynasty.
Height: 44 cm (17 1/4 in.)
Width: 42 cm (16 1/2 in.)
Elegantly modelled standing with confident poise, this superb pottery figure depicts a spirited horse, its slender neck gently arched and head turned slightly downward, imbuing it with an attentive yet graceful expression. The horse stands majestically on three legs, its raised left rear leg suspended freely without support—a distinctive and sophisticated sculptural feature demonstrating the artist’s mastery of balance and proportion. Remarkably, the figure remains stable and balanced without the addition of a supporting base beneath the elevated leg, underscoring the exceptional craftsmanship of Tang artisans. Such a pose, uncommon in ceramic sculpture, suggests the desire to animate the figure with naturalistic tension and movement, a hallmark of high-status tomb figures from this era.
The separately-modelled saddle, a rare survival, retains traces of vibrant original polychrome decoration, including rich hues of cinnabar red, ochre, and creamy white, further highlighting the high status and wealth symbolized by this fine steed. The saddle is fully removable—an exceedingly rare feature in Tang pottery—which not only enhances the realism of the piece but also reveals the extraordinary technical sophistication of its creators. This unique aspect would have added interactive and ceremonial value, possibly allowing for ritual dressing or display of the horse within a funerary context. Its survival in such a complete and polychrome state makes this piece exceptionally rare and academically significant.
Particularly noteworthy is the delicately sculpted ornament placed prominently between the ears, in the form of an intricately detailed lotus-petal sun-wheel. This fine detail, visible in accompanying close-up photography, is not merely decorative but symbolic, likely connoting status, divine protection, or celestial association. It lends further refinement and distinction to an already outstanding figure.
Note: It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate within 3 working days by FedEx. Shipped with Insurance!
Our Guarantee: The above item is guaranteed to be of the time period and condition as described, has been purchased legally and is legal to buy and sell under all international laws to cultural patrimony.
- All items legal to buy/sell under The Netherlands covering cultural patrimony and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
- A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialist in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam) will accompany the item.
-Provenance: Old private collection, London, UK
Condition: Very good; exhibiting minor and expected surface wear and pigment loss consistent with burial and age. Minor restoration as typical of excavated pottery.
Important information.
The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate by FedEx.
Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own cou
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/ Timeframe
Tang dynasty (618 - 907 A.D. )
Name of object
Horse with removable polychrome saddle. TL Tested
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
44 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2002
Width
42 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
