Ming Dynasty Parade Horse

$1,004.65

A lovely statue of a Ming Dynasty horseman, which was likely part of a larger group. The horseman is holding a tea pot with both his hands. His head is detachable, as is customary for larger Ming attendant statues, and there are traces of sancai-glaze on the surface of the horse and the rider. The remaining glaze can be seen on the saddle, the reins of the horse, the clothes, and the teapot held by the horseman. The horse’s mane, hooves, and head bear traces of black pigment. The statue is set on an integral rectangular base.

 

Date: 14th – 17th Century AD
Period: Ming Dynasty
Condition: Very fine condition; some minor glaze flaking on surface; small chips and wear as expected that does not detract; otherwise intact; minor glaze losses and earthly deposits on the surface. The head of the statue is detachable and works as an insert.

SOLD

SKU: AH-265 Category: Tags: , , ,

These attendants are excellent examples of Ming Dynasty tomb pottery from this period. The glazed sculptures were placed in burial chambers in order to flaunt social status, wealth, and power. The more diverse the processional figures, the more powerful the deceased individual was considered to be.

The Ming dynasty played host to some of China’s most renowned artistic achievements – famed, of course, for its vases, but also works such as Shen Zhou’s ‘Lofty Mount Lu’. The arts flourished in part due to the Ming Dynasty’s economic success.

To discover more about Chinese terracotta statuettes, please visit our relevant blog post: Terracotta Tomb Attendants.

Weight 1500 g
Dimensions W 25.5 x H 28.5 cm
Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Glaze

Region

Country

Reference: Caroselli, S. L., The Quest for Eternity.

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