Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Horse with rider in polychrome terracotta, China, Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) With invoice - 45 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 5,400 - € 6,600
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Terracotta horse and rider group sculpture from Han Dynasty China (206 BC–220 AD), polychromed with original pigment remains, measuring approximately 45 × 39 × 14 cm and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Horse with rider in polychrome terracotta
China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Important Chinese funerary sculptural group made in polychromed terracotta, representing 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 constitution, modeled with a voluminous body, tall and slightly arched neck and expressive head inclined forward. On the saddle appears a rider with solemn bearing, dressed in a long tunic and headdress, with both hands placed in front of the body, probably originally conceived to hold reins made of perishable material.
Especially notable is the conservation of numerous remains of the original polychromy, with reddish, ochre, white, black and yellow tones visible 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 position, 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 sculptures from this era.
Measurements
45 × 39 × 14 cm approx.
Material
Terracotta modeled with traces of polychromy.
Dating
China, Han Dynasty, 206 BCE–220 CE.
Conservation status
General wear, losses and lifting of polychromy, abrasions, surface deposits and small flaws. Possible ancient restorations or consolidations. Condition in keeping 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 remains of polychromy, providing an evocative image of the funerary and equestrian culture of ancient China.
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.
Horse with rider in polychrome terracotta
China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Important Chinese funerary sculptural group made in polychromed terracotta, representing 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 constitution, modeled with a voluminous body, tall and slightly arched neck and expressive head inclined forward. On the saddle appears a rider with solemn bearing, dressed in a long tunic and headdress, with both hands placed in front of the body, probably originally conceived to hold reins made of perishable material.
Especially notable is the conservation of numerous remains of the original polychromy, with reddish, ochre, white, black and yellow tones visible 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 position, 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 sculptures from this era.
Measurements
45 × 39 × 14 cm approx.
Material
Terracotta modeled with traces of polychromy.
Dating
China, Han Dynasty, 206 BCE–220 CE.
Conservation status
General wear, losses and lifting of polychromy, abrasions, surface deposits and small flaws. Possible ancient restorations or consolidations. Condition in keeping 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 remains of polychromy, providing an evocative image of the funerary and equestrian culture of ancient China.
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
200 ac
Name of object
Horse with rider in polychrome terracotta, China, Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) 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
45 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1996
Width
39 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
19 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.
