{"product_id":"chinese-tang-dynasty-painted-pottery-equestrian-figure","title":"Chinese Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Equestrian Figure","description":"\u003cp\u003eChinese Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Equestrian Figure\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"lot-descr-box\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChinese Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Equestrian Figure\u003cbr\u003eA striking Chinese Tang dynasty painted pottery figure depicting a mounted rider astride a powerful horse, masterfully modeled with strong naturalistic proportions and an elegant sense of movement. The horse stands confidently on a rectangular plinth with its head gently lowered, while the rider sits upright in a dignified pose, wearing flowing robes and a traditional cap.\u003cbr\u003eThe sculpture retains significant traces of its original red, cream, and white mineral pigments, beautifully weathered through centuries to a rich archaeological patina that enhances its authenticity and visual appeal. The expressive modeling of the horse, together with the restrained yet commanding presence of the rider, exemplifies the artistic sophistication of Tang dynasty funerary sculpture, celebrated for its realism and vitality.\u003cbr\u003eMounted equestrian figures such as this were created as mingqi (spirit objects) and placed in elite tombs to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, symbolizing prestige, military power, prosperity, and safe passage. The harmonious proportions and enduring surface make this an exceptional decorative object as well as an important work of ancient Chinese art.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 13 3\/4 in. (34.9 cm)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 11 1\/8 in. (28.3 cm)\u003cbr\u003eSpecialist’s Note:\u003cbr\u003eThe Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) is widely regarded as the golden age of Chinese ceramic sculpture, particularly for its remarkable tomb figures depicting horses, camels, court attendants, and military riders. This example displays the robust sculptural quality and confident modeling characteristic of the period, with remnants of its original painted decoration surviving beneath an attractive earthen patina. Collectors prize Tang equestrian figures for their historical importance, sculptural beauty, and their enduring connection to one of China’s most prosperous and cosmopolitan eras. As with all ancient Chinese pottery, thermoluminescence (TL) testing may be obtained to further support dating if desired.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"A.B. Levy's","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45815580033203,"sku":null,"price":6000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0095\/0956\/8609\/files\/5_1de8ed65-8824-49f6-8005-059c1723c01e.jpg?v=1786477527","url":"https:\/\/shop.ablevys.com\/products\/chinese-tang-dynasty-painted-pottery-equestrian-figure","provider":"A.B. Levy's","version":"1.0","type":"link"}