Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei Terracotta Extremely Rare Pottery Figure of Mounted Warriors, Conducting a Military Orchestra, TL test - 29 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,900 - € 3,300
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Extremely Rare Painted Terracotta Figure of a Mounted Warrior-Musician from the Northern Wei dynasty (386–535 CE), 29 cm high by 25 cm wide, with original polychromy, in very good condition, acquired in 2024 from a private London collection and accompanied by Thermoluminescence dating confirming a Northern Wei date and a Certificate of Authenticity.
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Description from the seller
An Extremely Rare Painted Pottery Figure of a Mounted Military Musician
China, Northern Wei dynasty (386–535)
Terracotta / earthenware with original pigments
Height: 29 cm; Width: 25 cm
Finely modelled as a mounted warrior-musician seated upright upon a powerful standing horse, the figure belongs to the distinctive group of equestrian funerary sculptures produced for the aristocratic and military elite of Northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty.
The horse is shown standing four-square on an integral rectangular base, with a broad chest, compact body, strong short legs and an elegantly arched neck. The head is slightly lowered, with the facial features, bridle and harness indicated in relief and further articulated with surviving dark pigment. The saddle and saddlecloth are carefully modelled, the latter falling in pronounced folds along the flanks.
The rider is seated rigidly upright in the characteristic Northern Wei manner, creating the tall, strongly vertical silhouette associated with mounted figures of the period. He wears a long tunic with an overlapping front and a distinctive rounded hood or cap, traditionally identified as a *fengmao*. The costume, posture and headgear are closely connected with the military and ceremonial culture of the Northern Dynasties.
Figures of this type are generally interpreted as members of the mounted guard of honour accompanying the deceased. Comparable mounted attendants and musicians are known from Northern Wei and related Northern Dynasties tomb assemblages, where groups of horsemen formed part of ceremonial, military and musical processions intended to serve the tomb occupant in the afterlife.
The figure is particularly distinguished by the survival of considerable areas of **original polychromy**. Traces of red pigment remain visible on the horse’s body, hindquarters, legs and saddle equipment, while darker grey-black and black pigments survive on the rider’s costume, harness and details of the horse’s head. Such surviving colour is especially important, as much of the original decoration on excavated Northern Wei pottery has disappeared through burial and age.
The restrained modelling, elongated rider, compact horse and surviving painted decoration are highly characteristic of Northern Wei funerary sculpture and reflect the strong equestrian traditions of the Xianbei elite.
- Thermoluminescence Test
The figure is accompanied by a Thermoluminescence Report issued by Laboratory Kotalla, Germany, report no. 02B030225, dated 12 February 2025.
The analysis records an approximate age of:
1590 years old ±14%
and is consistent with a Northern Wei dynasty date.
Samples were taken from three different points of the object.
An additional pre-dose test was also carried out. According to the laboratory, the pre-dose analysis confirms an ancient firing and shows no indication of artificial X-ray or irradiation treatment intended to falsify the thermoluminescence result.
- Provenance
Old private collection, London, United Kingdom.
- Historical Background
The Northern Wei dynasty was founded by the Tuoba branch of the Xianbei and ruled northern China from 386 until 535. The dynasty played a crucial role in the political and cultural development of China during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.
The Northern Wei court retained strong connections with the equestrian cultures of the northern and northwestern frontiers. Horses therefore occupied an important position in both military life and aristocratic ceremony. This influence is clearly reflected in contemporary tomb sculpture, where mounted warriors, musicians, attendants, officials, camels and horses frequently formed part of elaborate funerary processions.
Mounted musicians were particularly associated with ceremonial and military retinues. Their presence in tombs symbolised the continued status, authority and ceremonial life of the deceased in the afterlife.
The present figure, with its monumental stance, strongly modelled horse and remarkable surviving pigments, is an especially attractive example of this important tradition.
- Condition
Very good condition considering its age.
The horse and rider retain a strong and substantially complete overall form. Considerable traces of the original red, black and grey pigments survive.
There is expected age-related wear, surface erosion, burial accretion, pigment loss, minor chips and old fissures consistent with an excavated terracotta sculpture approximately sixteen centuries old.
No major losses disturbing the overall appearance of the figure.
The photographs form an integral part of the condition report.
Documentation
The figure will be accompanied by:
* Laboratory Kotalla Thermoluminescence Report no. 02B030225
* TL analysis consistent with a Northern Wei dynasty date
* Sampling from three separate points
* Pre-dose test confirming ancient firing without artificial irradiation
* Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam, specialists in Asian art since 1969
An extremely rare and highly evocative Northern Wei painted pottery figure of a mounted military musician, notable for its elegant proportions, surviving original polychromy, strong sculptural presence and scientific thermoluminescence documentation.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1969)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1969 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter.
Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes:
• Detailed stylistic and topological analysis
• Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics
• Comparative research with museum and literature examples
We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality.
For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched within three working days, shipped by FedEx with full insurance.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
An Extremely Rare Painted Pottery Figure of a Mounted Military Musician
China, Northern Wei dynasty (386–535)
Terracotta / earthenware with original pigments
Height: 29 cm; Width: 25 cm
Finely modelled as a mounted warrior-musician seated upright upon a powerful standing horse, the figure belongs to the distinctive group of equestrian funerary sculptures produced for the aristocratic and military elite of Northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty.
The horse is shown standing four-square on an integral rectangular base, with a broad chest, compact body, strong short legs and an elegantly arched neck. The head is slightly lowered, with the facial features, bridle and harness indicated in relief and further articulated with surviving dark pigment. The saddle and saddlecloth are carefully modelled, the latter falling in pronounced folds along the flanks.
The rider is seated rigidly upright in the characteristic Northern Wei manner, creating the tall, strongly vertical silhouette associated with mounted figures of the period. He wears a long tunic with an overlapping front and a distinctive rounded hood or cap, traditionally identified as a *fengmao*. The costume, posture and headgear are closely connected with the military and ceremonial culture of the Northern Dynasties.
Figures of this type are generally interpreted as members of the mounted guard of honour accompanying the deceased. Comparable mounted attendants and musicians are known from Northern Wei and related Northern Dynasties tomb assemblages, where groups of horsemen formed part of ceremonial, military and musical processions intended to serve the tomb occupant in the afterlife.
The figure is particularly distinguished by the survival of considerable areas of **original polychromy**. Traces of red pigment remain visible on the horse’s body, hindquarters, legs and saddle equipment, while darker grey-black and black pigments survive on the rider’s costume, harness and details of the horse’s head. Such surviving colour is especially important, as much of the original decoration on excavated Northern Wei pottery has disappeared through burial and age.
The restrained modelling, elongated rider, compact horse and surviving painted decoration are highly characteristic of Northern Wei funerary sculpture and reflect the strong equestrian traditions of the Xianbei elite.
- Thermoluminescence Test
The figure is accompanied by a Thermoluminescence Report issued by Laboratory Kotalla, Germany, report no. 02B030225, dated 12 February 2025.
The analysis records an approximate age of:
1590 years old ±14%
and is consistent with a Northern Wei dynasty date.
Samples were taken from three different points of the object.
An additional pre-dose test was also carried out. According to the laboratory, the pre-dose analysis confirms an ancient firing and shows no indication of artificial X-ray or irradiation treatment intended to falsify the thermoluminescence result.
- Provenance
Old private collection, London, United Kingdom.
- Historical Background
The Northern Wei dynasty was founded by the Tuoba branch of the Xianbei and ruled northern China from 386 until 535. The dynasty played a crucial role in the political and cultural development of China during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.
The Northern Wei court retained strong connections with the equestrian cultures of the northern and northwestern frontiers. Horses therefore occupied an important position in both military life and aristocratic ceremony. This influence is clearly reflected in contemporary tomb sculpture, where mounted warriors, musicians, attendants, officials, camels and horses frequently formed part of elaborate funerary processions.
Mounted musicians were particularly associated with ceremonial and military retinues. Their presence in tombs symbolised the continued status, authority and ceremonial life of the deceased in the afterlife.
The present figure, with its monumental stance, strongly modelled horse and remarkable surviving pigments, is an especially attractive example of this important tradition.
- Condition
Very good condition considering its age.
The horse and rider retain a strong and substantially complete overall form. Considerable traces of the original red, black and grey pigments survive.
There is expected age-related wear, surface erosion, burial accretion, pigment loss, minor chips and old fissures consistent with an excavated terracotta sculpture approximately sixteen centuries old.
No major losses disturbing the overall appearance of the figure.
The photographs form an integral part of the condition report.
Documentation
The figure will be accompanied by:
* Laboratory Kotalla Thermoluminescence Report no. 02B030225
* TL analysis consistent with a Northern Wei dynasty date
* Sampling from three separate points
* Pre-dose test confirming ancient firing without artificial irradiation
* Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam, specialists in Asian art since 1969
An extremely rare and highly evocative Northern Wei painted pottery figure of a mounted military musician, notable for its elegant proportions, surviving original polychromy, strong sculptural presence and scientific thermoluminescence documentation.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1969)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1969 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter.
Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes:
• Detailed stylistic and topological analysis
• Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics
• Comparative research with museum and literature examples
We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality.
For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched within three working days, shipped by FedEx with full insurance.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei
Century/timeframe
Northern Wei dynasty (386–534/535 CE)
Name of object
Extremely Rare Pottery Figure of Mounted Warriors, Conducting a Military Orchestra, TL test
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2024
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
29 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2002
Width
25 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
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.
