Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Terracotta horse China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) With invoice - 34 cm
04
days
22
hours
15
minutes
41
seconds
Current bid
€ 78
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,600 - € 3,100
 | €78 | |
|---|---|---|
| €75 | |
| €25 |
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Description from the seller
Polychromed terracotta horse
China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Elegant Chinese funerary figure in molded and polychromed terracotta, representing a standing horse, one of the most emblematic motifs of Han Dynasty funerary art.
The animal is depicted with a tall, stylized neck, a powerful chest, a rounded croup, and long limbs, creating a silhouette of great verticality and sculptural presence. The head, slightly elevated, features a marked muzzle, small upright ears, and an open mouth, where traces of reddish pigmentation can still be observed.
The surface preserves an attractive combination of gray, black, ochre, and earthy tones, with remnants of polychromy and surface deposits that emphasize its archaeological character.
During the Han Dynasty, the horse acquired extraordinary importance as a symbol of power, prestige, mobility, and military capability. Representations of this type formed part of the mingqi, funerary objects intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
Dimensions
34 × 29 × 9 cm approx.
Material
Terracotta with traces of polychromy.
Dating
China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Condition
Wear, abrasions, pigment loss, surface deposits and alterations in keeping with the piece’s nature and age. Possible ancient consolidations or restorations are visible, as is common in archaeological terracottas.
Catalogue note
An attractive equestrian representation of elegant stylization, particularly decorative due to the pronounced verticality of the neck and the sobriety of its grayish polychromy.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, pigment analysis, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Polychromed terracotta horse
China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Elegant Chinese funerary figure in molded and polychromed terracotta, representing a standing horse, one of the most emblematic motifs of Han Dynasty funerary art.
The animal is depicted with a tall, stylized neck, a powerful chest, a rounded croup, and long limbs, creating a silhouette of great verticality and sculptural presence. The head, slightly elevated, features a marked muzzle, small upright ears, and an open mouth, where traces of reddish pigmentation can still be observed.
The surface preserves an attractive combination of gray, black, ochre, and earthy tones, with remnants of polychromy and surface deposits that emphasize its archaeological character.
During the Han Dynasty, the horse acquired extraordinary importance as a symbol of power, prestige, mobility, and military capability. Representations of this type formed part of the mingqi, funerary objects intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
Dimensions
34 × 29 × 9 cm approx.
Material
Terracotta with traces of polychromy.
Dating
China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Condition
Wear, abrasions, pigment loss, surface deposits and alterations in keeping with the piece’s nature and age. Possible ancient consolidations or restorations are visible, as is common in archaeological terracottas.
Catalogue note
An attractive equestrian representation of elegant stylization, particularly decorative due to the pronounced verticality of the neck and the sobriety of its grayish polychromy.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, pigment analysis, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
200 ac
Name of object
Terracotta horse
China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
With invoice
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2006
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
China
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
34 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1996
Width
29 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
9 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
