Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Terracotta Mingqi funerary horse with remnants of polychromy. - 33 cm (No reserve price)

China – Han Dynasty. Important funerary figure of horse and rider in polychrome terracotta – Mingqi.

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

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

The rider stands upright on the mount, wearing a long tunic with wide sleeves. The arms appear advanced in the characteristic position originally meant to hold the reins, now missing as these elements were probably made of organic material.

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

The deliberately stylized modeling combines the horse's monumentality with the rigid verticality of the rider, creating a composition characteristic of Tang China funerary horse-and-rider sculpture.

Horses occupied an exceptional place in Tang culture, associated with social status, military power, the Silk Road trade, and the prestige of the aristocracy. Figures like this were deposited in tombs to symbolically ensure the deceased’s entourage and social position in the afterlife.

Material: terracotta with residues of cold-applied polychromy.
Origin: China.
Proposed period: Tang dynasty, 618–907, probably 7th–8th centuries.
Typology: funerary equestrian figure, mingqi.
Dimensions: 33 × 29 × 10 cm.

State of conservation: archaeological condition, with wear and extensive losses of polychromy, surface deposits, abrasions and small losses. Cracks and ancient joins/restorations are evident, particularly in some limbs. The surface retains abundant pigment traces and a charming patina of antiquity. See all detailed photographs.

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.