East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A marvelous pair of pottery horses from the Tang Dynasty of an impressively large scale. Enveloped in vibrant pigments, each noble steed stands on 3 legs with its proper right foot raised and its mouth open as though letting out a strong "neigh!" as it strides forward. Their thick bodies are strapped with orange saddles atop elaborately painted saddle blankets. Horse effigies like these would accompany tomb attendants known as mingqi, "spirit utensils" or "vessels for ghosts". They became popular in the Han Dynasty and would persist for several centuries. In addition to animals, there were musicians, athletes, architectural structures, and more. These were designed to assist the po, the part of the soul of the deceased that remained underground with the body while the hun, the other part of the soul, ascended. Size (similar in size): 6" L x 18" W x 16.75" H (15.2 cm x 45.7 cm x 42.5 cm); 17.75" H (45.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Who can say enough about the influence of the horse throughout the history of China! The horse played a significant role in the unification of the Chinese Empire, as this animal enabled the ancients to communicate to parties near and far due to the great speed of these noble steeds. The horse also assisted the military to conquer distant lands and grow the empire. As the desire for stronger, faster breeds grew, the ancients imported horses from Central Asia, leading to the creation of the famous Silk Road.

We see evidence of the reverence for the horse in the visual culture of ancient China. Imagery of horses abounds in painting, literature, and sculpture. During the Tang dynasty, artists created burial art representing these revered animals. This particular piece depicts a large charger; this type of horse served as both a symbol of imperial stability that engendered bountiful trade and prosperity for the expanding empire and the reward of military exploits to the west. The most cherished horses were raised in the western kingdom of Ferghana and known as "blood-sweating horses." These were delivered as tribute to the reigning emperor. In general, for the ancient Chinese, horses were a sign of wealth. This gorgeous example boasts a muscular body and stands squarely on all fours with his head cocked toward the left and dons a saddle, ready to serve any brave warrior!

Tomb attendants like this one are part of a class of artifacts called mingqi - sometimes known as "spirit utensils" or "vessels for ghosts". They became popular in the Han Dynasty and would persist for several centuries. Alongside figures like this one were musicians, athletes, animals, structures, etc. Even though they were mass produced, mingqi of the Han Dynasty often show a high level of detail and naturalism. These were designed to assist the po, the part of the soul of the deceased that remained underground with the body while the hun, the other part of the soul, ascended. Caring for the po seems to have taken on a new level of meaning in the Han period, with more elaborate rituals and tomb construction arising.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#184020

Both have been professionally repaired and restored with break lines just barely visible in a few areas. Small chip to ribbon on tail of one. Nicks and abrasions to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, both have an excellent presentation with nice remaining pigments.