Far East, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A stunning terracotta mold-made horse, TL tested dating it to the Tang Dynasty, boasting an idyllic form, standing squarely on all fours with his head slightly cocked toward the left, and donning impressive tack, on the level of the most elaborate regalia worn by a brave warrior! The horse was once covered in sancai glaze and some finely painted black detailing still remains on the mane and muzzle. This piece was most likely a funerary object of strong symbolic import, as the horse grew very significant during the expansion of the Tang golden age. This horse clearly belonged to a noble or elite warrior. Just look at that elaborate breast collar adorned with fanciful pendants or bells, the fanciful bobble under his lower mandible, not to mention the even more luxuriously ornamented trace across the horse's hind quarters. According to Zhixin Jason Sun, Curator of the Department of Asian Art at the Met, "The importance of horses rose to new heights in the Tang dynasty (618–907) when, as emblems of imperial power, they marched in state processions, galloped through royal hunting parks, raced across polo fields, and even danced before the emperor. Their portraits were painted by leading court artists, and their majestic form was modeled in brightly glazed pottery as tomb figurines and sculpted on marble plaques to adorn emperors' tombs as symbols of dynastic vitality." (http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-museum/now-at-the-met/2014/lunar-new-year). Beyond this, the horse played a significant role in the unification of the Chinese Empire, as the ancients could 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 abound 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 fine representation of the noble steed was TL tested (Oxford TL number 266n59) and is quite simply, beautiful. Size: 14.5" L x 5.375" W x 12" H (36.8 cm x 13.7 cm x 30.5 cm)

Note: label on bottom reads "Report on Thermoluminescence analysis made on sample 266n59 by Dr. D. Stoneham. London Oxford University." The London Oxford University authenticity testing company is now called Oxford Authentication Ltd.

Provenance: Ex- Sarkisian Gallery, Denver, CO acquired in the 1950's. Displayed, Denver Art Museum, 1960's.

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#112751

Once covered in Sancai glaze. A few repairs, but well hidden.