Chinese Tang Horse and Rider
Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. or later. A ceramic horse and (possibly female) rider figure modelled in the round, the animal posed standing on a rectangular base, its stocky neck arched and head held facing down, tail resting between hindlegs, with painted detailing to the head, mane and harness and wearing a saddle cloth and saddle; the rider wearing a full-length robe, arms and hands relaxed by the sides, poised to grip the horse's reins near to the saddle, stylised facial detailing and hair tied in a top knot. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 13.220.69 and 51.93a, b, for similar examples dating to the Tang Dynasty. 1.67 kg, 32 cm high (12 5/8 in.). Acquired on the UK art market, circa 2001.UK private collection.