Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Horse with rider in polychrome terracotta, China, Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD) With invoice - 45 cm

Horse with a terracotta polychrome rider

China, Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)

Important Chinese funerary sculptural group made in polychrome terracotta, representing a horseman 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 features a horse of powerful build, modeled with a voluminous body, high and slightly arched neck and an expressive head inclined forward. On the saddle sits a rider of solemn bearing, dressed in a long robe 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 remnants of the original polychromy, observed in reddish, ochre, white, black and yellow tones on both the horse and the human figure. These pigment remnants allow us to imagine the extraordinarily colorful appearance the sculpture would have presented about two thousand years ago.

The importance of the horse during the Han Dynasty was exceptional. Associated with prestige, military power, mobility and social status, it became one of the most representative motifs of Chinese funerary art from this period.

The figure retains 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 archaeological terracotta sculptures of this era.

Dimensions

45 × 39 × 14 cm approx.

Material

Terracotta modeled with traces of polychromy.

Dating

China, Han Dynasty, 206 BCE–220 CE

Condition

General wear, losses and lifting of polychromy, abrasions, surface deposits and small faults. Possible ancient restorations or consolidations. Condition in line with the archaeological nature and age of the piece.

Catalog note

An attractive equestrian representation of the Han Dynasty, especially interesting for combining in a single composition horse, rider, considerable dimensions and abundant traces of polychromy, providing an evocative image of ancient Chinese funerary and equestrian culture.

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.