Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta A Fine and Rare Painted Pottery Figure of a Mounted Warrior - 29.5 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 3,000 - € 3,300
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A Fine and Rare Painted Pottery Figure of a Mounted Warrior from the Han dynasty (2nd c. B.C.), in terracotta, 29.5 cm high and 26 cm wide, with original polychrome decoration and very good condition.
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Description from the seller
A FINE AND RARE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A MOUNTED WARRIOR
CHINA, HAN DYNASTY (206 BC–AD 220)
Height: 29.5 cm
Width: 26 cm
An impressive and finely modelled pottery figure of a mounted horseman, probably representing a cavalryman or military attendant, exceptionally attractive for its lively sculptural character and the extensive survival of its original polychrome decoration.
The horse is depicted standing foursquare, its powerful, rounded body supported on slender, carefully articulated legs, with a gracefully arched neck, upright ears and an expressive head turned slightly forward. The finely modelled muzzle, prominent eyes and open mouth lend the animal a remarkable sense of animation, while the well-balanced proportions convey both strength and elegance.
The rider sits upright and confidently upon the horse, his hands extended forward as though originally holding reins, now lost. His distinctive facial features are delicately rendered, with narrow, almond-shaped eyes, gently arched eyebrows, a prominent nose and a finely painted moustache. His serene yet commanding expression is framed by a close-fitting dark headdress.
Particularly striking is the rider's costume, comprising a vivid red tunic with contrasting pale sleeves and a dark rectangular panel decorated with a geometric pattern, possibly representing protective military attire. The careful rendering of these details suggests a figure of some status, perhaps associated with the cavalry or military retinue of a high-ranking individual.
The horse retains substantial areas of rich reddish-brown pigment, together with traces of black, white and red decoration. Particularly noteworthy is the elaborately painted saddlecloth, with its contrasting geometric ornament and bold red borders, providing a beautiful visual contrast to the earthy tones of the horse. The rider's brilliant red costume, pale complexion and finely painted facial details further enhance the exceptional decorative quality of the composition.
The remarkable survival of the original pigments allows the figure to retain much of its intended visual impact, offering an evocative impression of the vibrant appearance of Chinese funerary sculpture in antiquity.
Horses occupied a position of exceptional importance in Han Dynasty China, symbolising military power, mobility, wealth and aristocratic prestige. The development and expansion of cavalry forces played a significant role in the military campaigns of the Han empire, particularly during its encounters with the nomadic peoples of the northern and western frontiers.
During this period, increasing importance was placed on the representation of horses and mounted attendants in funerary art. Such figures formed part of the elaborate tradition of *mingqi*, or spirit objects, created to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These miniature representations of the living world were intended to provide the tomb occupant with the status, protection, possessions and attendants enjoyed during earthly life.
Equestrian figures of this type reflect not only the military organisation and social hierarchy of Han society but also the remarkable artistic achievements of its ceramic workshops. Their sculptors combined close observation of the animal form with an increasingly sophisticated approach to human representation, resulting in compositions that possess both naturalism and expressive individuality.
The present example is especially appealing for the harmonious relationship between horse and rider, the distinctive character of the mounted figure and the unusually attractive survival of the painted decoration. Together, these qualities make it a highly desirable representation of the equestrian traditions of ancient China.
CONDITION REPORT
Very good overall condition for a pottery figure dating to the Han Dynasty, approximately two millennia ago.
The figure retains extensive areas of its original polychrome decoration, including particularly attractive red, white and black pigments on the rider's costume, facial features and the horse's saddlecloth.
Expected surface wear, scattered pigment losses, minor abrasions and age-related deposits are present, entirely consistent with the antiquity and nature of the material. Old repairs or restorations to the horse's legs are possible, as frequently encountered in excavated pottery figures of this type.
The composition remains visually well preserved, with an attractive overall appearance and considerable original surface decoration.
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Paris, France.
Acquired in Paris.
An exceptionally decorative example of Han Dynasty painted pottery sculpture, distinguished by its expressive modelling, richly ornamented equestrian figure and the remarkable survival of its original painted surface.
The combination of the imposing horse, the distinctive military-style costume and the finely preserved polychromie gives this work a particularly strong sculptural presence, making it an appealing addition to a collection of early Chinese art and antiquities.
-A certificate of authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialists in Chinese pottery since 1966, Amsterdam) will accompany the piece.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1966 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 typological 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 in a custom wooden crate within three working days, shipped by DHL 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.
A FINE AND RARE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A MOUNTED WARRIOR
CHINA, HAN DYNASTY (206 BC–AD 220)
Height: 29.5 cm
Width: 26 cm
An impressive and finely modelled pottery figure of a mounted horseman, probably representing a cavalryman or military attendant, exceptionally attractive for its lively sculptural character and the extensive survival of its original polychrome decoration.
The horse is depicted standing foursquare, its powerful, rounded body supported on slender, carefully articulated legs, with a gracefully arched neck, upright ears and an expressive head turned slightly forward. The finely modelled muzzle, prominent eyes and open mouth lend the animal a remarkable sense of animation, while the well-balanced proportions convey both strength and elegance.
The rider sits upright and confidently upon the horse, his hands extended forward as though originally holding reins, now lost. His distinctive facial features are delicately rendered, with narrow, almond-shaped eyes, gently arched eyebrows, a prominent nose and a finely painted moustache. His serene yet commanding expression is framed by a close-fitting dark headdress.
Particularly striking is the rider's costume, comprising a vivid red tunic with contrasting pale sleeves and a dark rectangular panel decorated with a geometric pattern, possibly representing protective military attire. The careful rendering of these details suggests a figure of some status, perhaps associated with the cavalry or military retinue of a high-ranking individual.
The horse retains substantial areas of rich reddish-brown pigment, together with traces of black, white and red decoration. Particularly noteworthy is the elaborately painted saddlecloth, with its contrasting geometric ornament and bold red borders, providing a beautiful visual contrast to the earthy tones of the horse. The rider's brilliant red costume, pale complexion and finely painted facial details further enhance the exceptional decorative quality of the composition.
The remarkable survival of the original pigments allows the figure to retain much of its intended visual impact, offering an evocative impression of the vibrant appearance of Chinese funerary sculpture in antiquity.
Horses occupied a position of exceptional importance in Han Dynasty China, symbolising military power, mobility, wealth and aristocratic prestige. The development and expansion of cavalry forces played a significant role in the military campaigns of the Han empire, particularly during its encounters with the nomadic peoples of the northern and western frontiers.
During this period, increasing importance was placed on the representation of horses and mounted attendants in funerary art. Such figures formed part of the elaborate tradition of *mingqi*, or spirit objects, created to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. These miniature representations of the living world were intended to provide the tomb occupant with the status, protection, possessions and attendants enjoyed during earthly life.
Equestrian figures of this type reflect not only the military organisation and social hierarchy of Han society but also the remarkable artistic achievements of its ceramic workshops. Their sculptors combined close observation of the animal form with an increasingly sophisticated approach to human representation, resulting in compositions that possess both naturalism and expressive individuality.
The present example is especially appealing for the harmonious relationship between horse and rider, the distinctive character of the mounted figure and the unusually attractive survival of the painted decoration. Together, these qualities make it a highly desirable representation of the equestrian traditions of ancient China.
CONDITION REPORT
Very good overall condition for a pottery figure dating to the Han Dynasty, approximately two millennia ago.
The figure retains extensive areas of its original polychrome decoration, including particularly attractive red, white and black pigments on the rider's costume, facial features and the horse's saddlecloth.
Expected surface wear, scattered pigment losses, minor abrasions and age-related deposits are present, entirely consistent with the antiquity and nature of the material. Old repairs or restorations to the horse's legs are possible, as frequently encountered in excavated pottery figures of this type.
The composition remains visually well preserved, with an attractive overall appearance and considerable original surface decoration.
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Paris, France.
Acquired in Paris.
An exceptionally decorative example of Han Dynasty painted pottery sculpture, distinguished by its expressive modelling, richly ornamented equestrian figure and the remarkable survival of its original painted surface.
The combination of the imposing horse, the distinctive military-style costume and the finely preserved polychromie gives this work a particularly strong sculptural presence, making it an appealing addition to a collection of early Chinese art and antiquities.
-A certificate of authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialists in Chinese pottery since 1966, Amsterdam) will accompany the piece.
-Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1966 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 typological 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 in a custom wooden crate within three working days, shipped by DHL 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, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
2nd c. B.C.
Name of object
A Fine and Rare Painted Pottery Figure of a Mounted Warrior
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
29.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2006
Width
26 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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