Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta A Large Painted Pottery Figure of a Horse and Rider - 59 cm
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€ 8,000
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 11,000 - € 14,000
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 Bidder 1047 | €8,000 | |
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A Large Painted Pottery Figure of a Horse and Rider, Tang Dynasty (7th c.), Chinese terracotta sculpture, height 59 cm, width 46 cm, in very good condition with traces of original polychrome.
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Description from the seller
A Large Painted Pottery Figure of a Horse and Rider
China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Height 59 cm; Width 46 cm
This impressive and generously scaled pottery figure depicts a mounted horseman, finely modelled and attractively preserved with traces of its original polychrome. The horse is shown in a gently advancing pose, its head inclined with a naturalistic softness characteristic of the best Tang sculptural traditions. The elongated face, expressive eyes and flared nostrils are sensitively rendered, while the neatly combed forelock and upright ears lend the animal a lively presence. The powerful body retains scattered remains of the original white and buff pigments, enlivened by areas of red detailing around the mouth and tack. The saddle, set over a draped cloth with painted geometric decoration, sits securely over the broad back, its folds and contours crisply articulated. The tail, drawn upward and curled to the side, is a particularly attractive Tang feature.
Seated confidently upon the saddle is the rider, his posture upright and composed. His oval face is framed by a tall, swept-back cap, and displays delicately painted features, including the fine black brows and a hint of red on the lips. He wears a long-sleeved tunic, still bearing traces of its original yellow ochre pigment, with remnants of red accents visible on the drapery at his sides. Suspended at his left hangs a well-formed quiver of arrows, its cylindrical shape clearly defined, while further equipment at the back of the saddle — likely a bow case — identifies him as a mounted archer. His hands, held before him, preserve the gesture of once holding reins.
The figure as a whole conveys the confidence and elegance of Tang equestrian culture, combining dignified presence with subtle movement. Large examples of this type, retaining such substantial pigment, are particularly appealing and have long been admired for their expressive modelling and strong tomb context.
Provenance
Old private collection, London, UK
Condition
Very good overall, with expected surface wear and pigment loss consistent with burial. Minor restoration in places, typical of excavated Tang pottery.
Guarantee
Guaranteed to be Tang Dynasty, legally acquired and legal to buy and sell under all applicable cultural patrimony laws. A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam (specialists in Chinese pottery since 1969), accompanies the piece.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched in a custom wooden crate 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.
A Large Painted Pottery Figure of a Horse and Rider
China, Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD)
Height 59 cm; Width 46 cm
This impressive and generously scaled pottery figure depicts a mounted horseman, finely modelled and attractively preserved with traces of its original polychrome. The horse is shown in a gently advancing pose, its head inclined with a naturalistic softness characteristic of the best Tang sculptural traditions. The elongated face, expressive eyes and flared nostrils are sensitively rendered, while the neatly combed forelock and upright ears lend the animal a lively presence. The powerful body retains scattered remains of the original white and buff pigments, enlivened by areas of red detailing around the mouth and tack. The saddle, set over a draped cloth with painted geometric decoration, sits securely over the broad back, its folds and contours crisply articulated. The tail, drawn upward and curled to the side, is a particularly attractive Tang feature.
Seated confidently upon the saddle is the rider, his posture upright and composed. His oval face is framed by a tall, swept-back cap, and displays delicately painted features, including the fine black brows and a hint of red on the lips. He wears a long-sleeved tunic, still bearing traces of its original yellow ochre pigment, with remnants of red accents visible on the drapery at his sides. Suspended at his left hangs a well-formed quiver of arrows, its cylindrical shape clearly defined, while further equipment at the back of the saddle — likely a bow case — identifies him as a mounted archer. His hands, held before him, preserve the gesture of once holding reins.
The figure as a whole conveys the confidence and elegance of Tang equestrian culture, combining dignified presence with subtle movement. Large examples of this type, retaining such substantial pigment, are particularly appealing and have long been admired for their expressive modelling and strong tomb context.
Provenance
Old private collection, London, UK
Condition
Very good overall, with expected surface wear and pigment loss consistent with burial. Minor restoration in places, typical of excavated Tang pottery.
Guarantee
Guaranteed to be Tang Dynasty, legally acquired and legal to buy and sell under all applicable cultural patrimony laws. A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam (specialists in Chinese pottery since 1969), accompanies the piece.
Shipping
The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched in a custom wooden crate 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, Tang Dynasty
Century/ Timeframe
7th c.
Name of object
A Large Painted Pottery Figure of a Horse and Rider
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
59 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2002
Width
46 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
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