Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Mingqi funerary horse in terracotta with traces of polychromy. With invoice - 33 cm

China – Tang Dynasty (618–907), probably 7th–8th centuries. An important funerary figure of horse and rider in polychrome terracotta – mingqi.

An attractive Chinese funerary sculptural group made in molded terracotta and originally polychrome, depicting a rider mounted on a horse, belonging to the important tradition of mingqi produced during the Tang dynasty to accompany members of the affluent classes in their interments.

The horse is shown standing, with a powerful rounded croup, prominent chest, and an elevated neck that supports an elongated and expressive head, with pricked ears, molded muzzle and small traces of reddish pigment on the mouth and nostrils.

The rider stands upright on the saddle, wearing a long tunic with wide sleeves. The arms appear forward in the characteristic position originally intended to hold the reins, today absent as these elements were probably made of organic material.

The surface retains numerous traces of its ancient pictorial decoration, with reddish, black/gray, and white pigments visible on both clothing and horse. Notably extensive dark areas of the neck and chest, light remnants of the body, and reddish tones preserved on the rider and around the saddle are evident.

The deliberately stylized modeling combines the monumentality of the horse with the rigid verticality of the rider, creating a composition typical of Tang China’s funerary equestrian sculpture.

Horses occupied an exceptional position in Tang culture, associated with social status, military power, Silk Road trade, and aristocratic prestige. Figures like this were deposited in tombs to symbolically guarantee the deceased the continuity of their entourage and social standing in the afterlife.

Material: terracotta with remnants of cold-applied polychromy.
Origin: China.
Proposed period: Tang Dynasty, 618–907, probably 7th–8th centuries.
Typology: funerary equestrian figure, mingqi.
Dimensions: 33 × 25 × 12 cm.

Condition: archaeological state, with wear and extensive losses of polychromy, superficial deposits, abrasions and small losses. Cracks and ancient joints/restorations are visible, particularly on some limbs. The surface retains abundant traces of pigmentation and an attractive patina of age. See all detailed photographs.