Tang Dynasty Sculptures

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

A well modelled pair of Tang dynasty painted pottery soldiers. The warriors portrayed standing, dressed in form fitting, elaborate layered Armor with fitted helmets. The breastplate...

A charming Tang dynasty painted pottery figure of a horse and mounted noble rider. TL tested by Oxford Authentication. The horse portrayed standing fours...

A handcrafted terracotta horse in the style of the Tang Dynasty sculptural tradition. Much of the body of the piece is glazed with a dark indigo blue finish. Some fading in detai...

A magnificent and large early Tang dynasty (618-906 AD) model of a prancing or dancing horse, circa 7th century. The majestic animal is caught mid-motion, one leg raised, head grace...

A fine and unusual statue of standing horse with a Persian rider. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) Silk Road trader from Persia, comes with Oxford authenticati...

A striking pair of large Chinese glazed and painted pottery figures, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 16th century, China. The impressive and realistically modeled figures each portrayed standing upright upon a sancai (three color) glazed pedestal of kang table form. The man is dressed in a short black surcoat over a long robe and pants, a smart cap upon his head. His face is warm and welcoming, with wide eyes and a slight smile on his lips. He holds his hands out in front of him, palms up, almost as if shrugging, though presumably originally holding an object or offering, now lost. The woman of slightly smaller stature, and dressed in a longer surcoat over a long robe and skirt. She wears a fitted cap upon her head. Her hands also held out in front, grasping long lost objects. Her face is slightly more severe, with a somewhat pinched look, and slight frown upon her lips. The size of these figures is remarkable, as is the realism and attention to detail, almost as if they were modeled after real people, as opposed to the more common and generic Ming Dynasty pottery...

A fantastic and powerful pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty three-color (sancai) glazed zhenmushou, tomb guardian figures, late 7th or early 8th century. TL t...

Tang Dynasty Earthenware Horse Circa 618–907 CE This Tang dynasty earthenware horse retains traces of its original white pigment, a feature rarely preserved on sculptures of this pe...

A beautiful and serene Chinese Ming dynasty carved wood figure of the Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of long life, and a form of Amitabha Buddha. He is seated in dhyanassana, dressed in...

This finely modeled terracotta figure represents a standing court lady from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), a period celebrated for its vibrant court culture, poetry, music, and cosmopolitan aesthetics. The figure exhibits the characteristic full, rounded facial features and elaborate coiffure associated with Tang feminine ideals, along with gracefully draped robes that animate the garment folds and lend a sense of quiet poise. Traces of original pigment remain visible across the surface, a reminder that these figures were once richly colored. Court lady figures of this type were traditionally placed in tombs as mingqi, or “spirit goods,” intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the afterlife. Their presence also reflected the wealth and status of the household, making them historically significant markers of Tang elite culture. Today they hold strong appeal for collectors of early Chinese art due to their refined modeling, expressive restraint, and direct connection to one of China’s most culturally influential dynasties. The figure retains a pleasing archaeological surface with expected losses to pigment and earthen encrustations consistent with age and burial, and is in nice antique condition overall. The sale includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting its identification and period. An evocative example of early Chinese funerary...

A set of beautiful terracotta court ladies in the Han dynasty style. Featured are governesses whose jobs are to train the ladies of the house all manners and etiquette, as well as th...