Qing Dynasty glazed terracotta figure of a woman accompanied by a horse on rectangular base. The figure is dressed in navy robes and a turquoise belt, with their hair done up in a typical high bun hairstyle. The facial features of both the figure and the horse are rendered delicately, with clearly engraved eyes and eyebrows in black pigment, with lips and ears in orange-red pigments, depicting a peaceful expression on the face. The horse is equipped with a saddle, harness and bridle and is carrying two buckets, bound to either side of the horse. Figurines like this piece were made as burial objects; they are called mingqi and are present in Chinese culture from as early as the Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220). Their use persisted through the centuries and was popular amongst people of high social status within the Qing Dynasty. Their purpose was to accompany the tomb owner into the afterlife, in order to fulfil the desires and needs of the deceased. As such there were an infinitely large variations of subjects available, from dancers, servants, food stuffs, weaponry, and utensils. Horses especially were considered essential, for their use in both warfare and daily life. Measurements: H 16.2cm x L 19.4cm x W 7.5cm Provenance: Private UK collection, brought from a west country collection in 1990's