Ghangzhi region, Shanxi province Early Tang dynasty, late 7th century Height: 48 cm. Wide: 44 cm. Note: This excavated example of this distinctive style is extremely rare, only few numbers in private collections of related horses were illustrated between 2002 and 2006. Provenance: private collection, The Netherlands Asian art market. This exquisitely sculptured figure of a prancing horse demonstrates the extraordinary degree of naturalism that could be achieved in early Tang minqqi. Elegantly refined and realistically rendered, the figure captures the power and dignity of these prized animals. The horse is molded in a spirited pose with a raised foreleg, striding forward on three legs without the aid of a supporting base. The heightened sense of realism is reinforced by the sophisticated modeling of the slender, lithe legs and naturalistic musculature. Held high on elegantly arched neck, the head, with round inset eyes whose pupils are painted black, are turned left and feature picked ears, flared nostrils, and closed mouth with large, wrinkled lips. The arched neck has closely hogged, grooved mane lacking forelocks, and the rumps are drilled for tail now missing. The finely detailed saddle sits atop thick oval blanket. The saddle is draped with a cloth tied off on each side. The leg and chest muscles of the horse are confidently rendered, with faut tendons along slender, well-proportioned legs, and realistic knees, hooves, and fetlocks integrated in natural pose. The animal is painted overall with a white ground; traces of red paint are visible on some of the hooves and part of a saddle. While the torso and head of the horse were pressed separately from two-section molds and looted together, the legs were modeled by hand over an iron skeleton, and the entire surface was carefully carved by hand. Developed during the Period of Disunion, the use of metal reinforcements carried into the Tang dynasty. These were necessary to support the slander legs featured in this realistic style, which doesn’t utilize a support base. 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. - The results of the thermoluminescence tests, are consistent with the dating of the items, Tang dynasty. Sampling in 3 different points - The result of the Pre-dose test is consistent with the dating of the items and the test confirms old firing without any kind of artificial x-ray treatments! Additional Information: Tang Dynasty National unification during the Tang dynasty brought about centuries of social stability and economic prosperity. Ceramic art evolved further towards maturity and important kiln centres emerge across the country. The repertoire of mortuary objects in Tang tombs closely followed those of earlier periods. The majority was still made of pottery clay and came in many forms and styles, which illustrate the evolution and traits of Tang ceramic art. These objects can broadly be divided into five categories namely tomb guardians, guards of honour, attendants, animals, and utilitarian wares. Tang dynasty tomb figures are pottery figures of people and animals made in the Tang dynasty of China (618–906) as grave goods to be placed in tombs. There was a belief that the figures represented would become available for the service of the deceased in the afterlife. The figures are made of moulded earthenware with colour generally being added, though often not over the whole figure, or in naturalistic places. Where the colouring was in paint it has often not survived, but in many cases, it was in sancai ("three-colour") ceramic glaze, which has generally lasted well. The figures, called mingqui in Chinese, were most often of servants, soldiers (in male tombs) and attendants such as dancers and musicians, with many no doubt representing courtesans. In burials of people of high rank there may be soldiers and officials as well. The animals are most often horses, but there are surprising numbers of both Bactrian camels and their Central Asian drivers, distinguished by thick beards and hair, and their facial features. The depictions are realistic to a degree unprecedented in Chinese art, and the figures give archaeologists much useful information about life under the Tang. There are also figures of the imaginary monster "earth spirits" and the fearsome human Lokapala (or tian wang), both usually in pairs and acting as tomb guardians to repel attacks by both spirits and humans. Sets of the twelve imaginary beasts of the Chinese Zodiac are also found, usually unglazed. The most common animals, and the most likely to be large and carefully modelled and decorated, are horses and camels. Both sorts range from animals without harness and saddlery to those with elaborately detailed trappings, and carrying riders or, in the case of camels, heavy loads of goods. The graceful ladies with plump faces and bodies (so called Fat ladies), the smartly dressed civil officials, the mighty warriors, the horses with saddles and accessories, as well as camels and non - Chinese figurines are all results of the potter’s keen observation and superb virtuosity. They allow us to visualise life in China more than a millennium ago. - A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialist in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam) will accompany the item. Condition: Very good condition. Wear consistent with the age, some loss of color. Please be advised that all ancient Chinese pottery objects had been buried in tombs and are excavated from there. Therefore, they can always have some restorations. Also worth of note is that the item is more than 1200 years old. 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 country. #MorganNiquetCollection