Northern Wei Dynasty Caparisoned Horse

$4,420.36

A finely hollow-moulded terracotta horse statuette, dating to the Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. The horse is shown regally standing on a flat, rectangular base and appears richly adorned with collar, harness and an elaborate saddle. The majority of the original white slip remains, with additional red and black pigments used to pick out details of the features, such as the trappings, the alert pupils, the blanket and the mane. Anatomical features are rendered in a naturalistic manner, with much attention given to details.

Date: Circa AD 386-535
Period: Northern Wei Dynasty
Condition: Excellent condition. This piece has been thermoluminescence tested.

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The relationship between China and horses dates back to Neolithic times and the first domestication of the animal is believed to have started in the 13th century BC. Recognising the speed and endurance of Western horses, these were brought in to breed with the Mongolian, smaller variety native to China and were widely used in warfare, hunting and in the aristocratic pastime of polo. Similar to their Tang Dynasty counterparts, Northern Wei ceramic horse figurines were placed in tombs with their owners, serving a ceremonial purpose.

Weight 3400 g
Dimensions L 32 x W 11.5 x H 40 cm
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Pottery and Porcelain

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