Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Horse with removable polychrome saddle. TL Tested - 44 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 6,800 - € 8,500
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Ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty Terracotta horse titled “Horse with removable polychrome saddle,” 44 cm high by 42 cm wide, with a separately-modelled removable polychrome saddle.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
CHINA, TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
- The result of the Oxford thermoluminescence test number C121j83, is consistent with the dating of the item, Tang dynasty.
Height: 44 cm (17 1/4 in.)
Width: 42 cm (16 1/2 in.)
Elegantly modelled standing with confident poise, this superb pottery figure depicts a spirited horse, its slender neck gently arched and head turned slightly downward, imbuing it with an attentive yet graceful expression. The horse stands majestically on three legs, its raised left rear leg suspended freely without support—a distinctive and sophisticated sculptural feature demonstrating the artist’s mastery of balance and proportion. Remarkably, the figure remains stable and balanced without the addition of a supporting base beneath the elevated leg, underscoring the exceptional craftsmanship of Tang artisans. Such a pose, uncommon in ceramic sculpture, suggests the desire to animate the figure with naturalistic tension and movement, a hallmark of high-status tomb figures from this era.
The separately-modelled saddle, a rare survival, retains traces of vibrant original polychrome decoration, including rich hues of cinnabar red, ochre, and creamy white, further highlighting the high status and wealth symbolized by this fine steed. The saddle is fully removable—an exceedingly rare feature in Tang pottery—which not only enhances the realism of the piece but also reveals the extraordinary technical sophistication of its creators. This unique aspect would have added interactive and ceremonial value, possibly allowing for ritual dressing or display of the horse within a funerary context. Its survival in such a complete and polychrome state makes this piece exceptionally rare and academically significant.
Particularly noteworthy is the delicately sculpted ornament placed prominently between the ears, in the form of an intricately detailed lotus-petal sun-wheel. This fine detail, visible in accompanying close-up photography, is not merely decorative but symbolic, likely connoting status, divine protection, or celestial association. It lends further refinement and distinction to an already outstanding figure.
Note: It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate within 3 working days by FedEx. Shipped with Insurance!
Our Guarantee: The above item is guaranteed to be of the time period and condition as described, has been purchased legally and is legal to buy and sell under all international laws to cultural patrimony.
- All items legal to buy/sell under The Netherlands covering cultural patrimony and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
- A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialist in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam) will accompany the item.
-Provenance: Old private collection, London, UK
Condition: Very good; exhibiting minor and expected surface wear and pigment loss consistent with burial and age. Minor restoration as typical of excavated pottery.
Important information.
The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate by FedEx.
Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own cou
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established antique dealers in the Netherlands. Known for excellence in both fine antiques and personalized service, Becker Antiques has earned an international reputation for quality and expertise.
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, the gallery is 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.” Housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, Becker Antiques offers a truly memorable setting for discovering art and history.
Our primary specialty lies in ceramics—especially pottery tomb figures from the Han to Ming Dynasties—along with Buddhist sculptures and rare Chinese artworks. We also offer a curated selection of Asian art from Japan and Southeast Asia, including bronze, stone, and wooden sculptures, as well as Qing Dynasty Chinese furniture and other unique finds.
For over 59 years, we have proudly served museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide, offering not only antiques of the highest caliber but also the knowledge and passion that bring them to life.
CHINA, TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
- The result of the Oxford thermoluminescence test number C121j83, is consistent with the dating of the item, Tang dynasty.
Height: 44 cm (17 1/4 in.)
Width: 42 cm (16 1/2 in.)
Elegantly modelled standing with confident poise, this superb pottery figure depicts a spirited horse, its slender neck gently arched and head turned slightly downward, imbuing it with an attentive yet graceful expression. The horse stands majestically on three legs, its raised left rear leg suspended freely without support—a distinctive and sophisticated sculptural feature demonstrating the artist’s mastery of balance and proportion. Remarkably, the figure remains stable and balanced without the addition of a supporting base beneath the elevated leg, underscoring the exceptional craftsmanship of Tang artisans. Such a pose, uncommon in ceramic sculpture, suggests the desire to animate the figure with naturalistic tension and movement, a hallmark of high-status tomb figures from this era.
The separately-modelled saddle, a rare survival, retains traces of vibrant original polychrome decoration, including rich hues of cinnabar red, ochre, and creamy white, further highlighting the high status and wealth symbolized by this fine steed. The saddle is fully removable—an exceedingly rare feature in Tang pottery—which not only enhances the realism of the piece but also reveals the extraordinary technical sophistication of its creators. This unique aspect would have added interactive and ceremonial value, possibly allowing for ritual dressing or display of the horse within a funerary context. Its survival in such a complete and polychrome state makes this piece exceptionally rare and academically significant.
Particularly noteworthy is the delicately sculpted ornament placed prominently between the ears, in the form of an intricately detailed lotus-petal sun-wheel. This fine detail, visible in accompanying close-up photography, is not merely decorative but symbolic, likely connoting status, divine protection, or celestial association. It lends further refinement and distinction to an already outstanding figure.
Note: It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate within 3 working days by FedEx. Shipped with Insurance!
Our Guarantee: The above item is guaranteed to be of the time period and condition as described, has been purchased legally and is legal to buy and sell under all international laws to cultural patrimony.
- All items legal to buy/sell under The Netherlands covering cultural patrimony and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
- A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialist in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam) will accompany the item.
-Provenance: Old private collection, London, UK
Condition: Very good; exhibiting minor and expected surface wear and pigment loss consistent with burial and age. Minor restoration as typical of excavated pottery.
Important information.
The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
It will be professionally packed and safely sent in a wooden crate by FedEx.
Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own cou
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established antique dealers in the Netherlands. Known for excellence in both fine antiques and personalized service, Becker Antiques has earned an international reputation for quality and expertise.
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, the gallery is 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.” Housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, Becker Antiques offers a truly memorable setting for discovering art and history.
Our primary specialty lies in ceramics—especially pottery tomb figures from the Han to Ming Dynasties—along with Buddhist sculptures and rare Chinese artworks. We also offer a curated selection of Asian art from Japan and Southeast Asia, including bronze, stone, and wooden sculptures, as well as Qing Dynasty Chinese furniture and other unique finds.
For over 59 years, we have proudly served museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide, offering not only antiques of the highest caliber but also the knowledge and passion that bring them to life.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/ Timeframe
Tang dynasty (618 - 907 A.D. )
Name of object
Horse with removable polychrome saddle. TL Tested
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
44 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2002
Width
42 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
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.
