Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Mingqi funerary horse in terracotta with traces of polychromy. With invoice - 28 cm
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€ 1
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,800 - € 2,200
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Description from the seller
China – Han Dynasty Terracotta Funerary Horse Mingqi with remnants of polychromy.
Attractive Chinese funerary figure modeled in terracotta, representing a standing horse in an alert pose, stylistically derived from the funerary sculptural tradition developed during the Tang dynasty.
The animal presents a powerful silhouette, with a prominent chest, high and slightly arched neck, expressive head and rounded hindquarters, while the hind legs adopt a position that adds movement to the composition. The head shows a simple but vigorous modeling, with a pronounced snout, upright ears and remnants of the original painted decoration.
On different areas of the surface remain traces of red, black, grayish and whitish polychromy, especially visible around the eyes, snout and ears. The surface also retains deposits, concretions and an attractive archaeological patina.
The figure was conceived hollow, as demonstrated by the wide opening visible in the body, a technique habitual in the manufacture of Chinese funerary sculptures of this period.
During the Tang dynasty the horse became one of the great symbols of prestige, military power, wealth and mobility of the elites. Equestrian representations were placed in funerary assemblages to symbolically accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
Material: molded terracotta with remnants of polychromy applied in the paint-dried technique.
Culture: China.
Proposed period: Tang dynasty, 618–907; probably 7th–8th centuries.
Typology: funerary horse, mingqi.
Measurements: 28 × 27 × 9 cm.
Condition: archaeological state, with general surface wear, significant losses of the original polychromy, deposits and earthy concretions. Cracks and old repairs or joins are observed in some limbs, particularly in the hind legs. Manufacturing opening in the body. See 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.
China – Han Dynasty Terracotta Funerary Horse Mingqi with remnants of polychromy.
Attractive Chinese funerary figure modeled in terracotta, representing a standing horse in an alert pose, stylistically derived from the funerary sculptural tradition developed during the Tang dynasty.
The animal presents a powerful silhouette, with a prominent chest, high and slightly arched neck, expressive head and rounded hindquarters, while the hind legs adopt a position that adds movement to the composition. The head shows a simple but vigorous modeling, with a pronounced snout, upright ears and remnants of the original painted decoration.
On different areas of the surface remain traces of red, black, grayish and whitish polychromy, especially visible around the eyes, snout and ears. The surface also retains deposits, concretions and an attractive archaeological patina.
The figure was conceived hollow, as demonstrated by the wide opening visible in the body, a technique habitual in the manufacture of Chinese funerary sculptures of this period.
During the Tang dynasty the horse became one of the great symbols of prestige, military power, wealth and mobility of the elites. Equestrian representations were placed in funerary assemblages to symbolically accompany the deceased in the afterlife.
Material: molded terracotta with remnants of polychromy applied in the paint-dried technique.
Culture: China.
Proposed period: Tang dynasty, 618–907; probably 7th–8th centuries.
Typology: funerary horse, mingqi.
Measurements: 28 × 27 × 9 cm.
Condition: archaeological state, with general surface wear, significant losses of the original polychromy, deposits and earthy concretions. Cracks and old repairs or joins are observed in some limbs, particularly in the hind legs. Manufacturing opening in the body. See 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.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
206 AC
Name of object
Mingqi funerary horse in terracotta with traces of polychromy. 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
28 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1996
Width
27 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.
