Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Horse with rider in polychrome terracotta, China, Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) With invoice - 45 cm

Horse with a Terracotta Policromed Rider

China, Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.)

Important Chinese funerary sculptural group made in polychrome terracotta, depicting a rider mounted on a horse, belonging to the Mingqi tradition — figures intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife — characteristic of the Han Dynasty.

The composition presents a horse of powerful build, modeled with a voluminous body, high, slightly arched neck and expressive head inclined forward. On the saddle sits a solemnly poised rider, dressed in a long tunic and headgear, with both hands placed in front of the body, probably originally conceived to hold reins made of perishables.

Especially notable is the preservation of numerous traces of the original polychromy, showing reddish, ochre, white, black and yellow tones on both the horse and the human figure. These pigment remnants allow us to imagine the extraordinarily colorful appearance the sculpture would have presented originally about two thousand years ago.

The importance of the horse during the Han Dynasty was exceptional. Associated with prestige, military power, mobility and social status, it became one of the most representative motifs of Chinese funerary art of this period.

The figure preserves an attractive archaeological surface, with wear, deposits, abrasions and partial losses of polychromy consistent with its great age. Possible ancient restorations or consolidations are also observed, common in terracotta archaeological sculptures of this era.

Dimensions

45 × 39 × 14 cm approx.

Material

Terracotta modeled with traces of polychromy.

Dating

China, Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.–220 A.D.

Conservation status

General wear, losses and lifting of polychromy, abrasions, surface deposits and minor missing parts. Possible ancient restorations or consolidations. Condition in line with the archaeological nature and age of the piece.

Catalogue note

An attractive equestrian representation of the Han Dynasty, especially interesting for combining in a single composition horse, rider, considerable dimensions and abundant traces of polychromy, providing an evocative image of ancient China’s funerary and equestrian culture.

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, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.