Chinese Tang Hunter Pair
Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. A pair of ceramic mounted hunter figures, each modelled in the round on an integral rectangular base; horses standing facing with pricked ears, cropped manes and dressed tails, wearing bridles, harnesses and cruppers with studs and pendants; seated riders turned left in their saddles, directing their attention skywards, arms and hands positioned as though drawing bows (now absent); one saddle cloth possibly designed to mimic animal skin, the other with a floral design; successful kills slung over each horse's rump; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. Cf. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Quest For Eternity, Chinese Ceramic Sculptures From The People's Republic Of China, Thames and Hudson, 1987, p.134, for similar. 7.8 kg total, 40.5-41.5 cm high (16 - 16 3/8 in.). Acquired 1970-1990s.From a private West Country collection.Accompanied by two original thermoluminescence analysis report nos.C122g64 and C122g68 from Oxford Authentication.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11517-195275. [2]