15th Century and Earlier Animal Sculptures

Aztec Spider Monkey with Wind God Regalia This sculpture portrays a spider monkey (Ateles geofroyi) wearing the regalia associated with the Aztec Wind God, Quetzalcoatl-Ehecatl. Th...

François Pompon. Atelier Valsuani, edited by. Sculpture entitled “Petit Grand-Duc”. Bronze with brown patina, lost wax casting. Stamp of the Foundry “cire perdue C. Valsuani” on th...

In the heart of an ancient empire, stands a sculpture of breathtaking power and majesty, probable Wei dynasty. A mighty beast, sculpted from the very essence of strength, is poised i...

Stamps, or sellos, such as this one were common during the pre-Columbian period in Mesoamerica and most popular during the Formative Period that spanned the years between 1200-800 B....

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

Han Dynasty Horse Sculpture, 206BC- 209 AD It is interetsing to note the position of the riders feet. They are gripping the shoulder of the horse. D...

Han Dynasty Horse Sculpture, 206 BC- 209 AD It is interetsing to note the position of the riders feet. They are gripping the shoulder of the horse. ...

MANTEÑA CHAIR OF POWER CACHIQUE OF PREHISPANIC ECUADOR The chair has been carved from a block of detrital sedimentary rock, in which fossil remains can be seen. It is a calcarenite o...

Double romanesque capital decorated with two fantastic animals France, 13th century Measures: 26,5 x 38,5 x 14,5 cm. This rare double cap...

Large And Important Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) Pottery Horse TL Tested. China. Ca. 618-907 AD A beautiful pottery figure of a horse. The animal is shown in a...

Gothic Lion XIV century in stone. 16th Century stone carved lion. He has a lot of wear from time but looks better in person than on the photos. Measures: ...

Tang Dynasty Horse and Rider. China (618-907 AD) During the Tang Dynasty, horses were revered creature, considered relatives of the mythical...

Italian Romanesque 12th century marble recumbent lion 12th century Italian roman marble lion  with a stylized mane and tail wrapped around its body a...

Han Dynasty painted pottery horse and rider A Chinese Han Dynasty painted pottery horse & rider. Made from grey pottery and cold-painted in white, red and black pigments. The rider dressed as a warrior and in the pose of holding reins for the horse. Comes with a custom sturdy lucite stand. Measures: Height: 13.5 inches (33cm). Length: 13 inches Depth: 5 inches Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220). Condition: Very good with past restoration to legs. The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China can...

A Tang Dynasty (618 - 907AD) Chinese Pottery Horse with Saddle. No TL test but absolutely guaranteed authentic with COA available upon request. Dimensions: 14 x 6.75 x 17 inches (35.6 x 20.3 x 43.2 cm) Condition; Very Good with wear commensurate of age and use. Invisible repairs to left ear and parts of mane and hair tuft. A super tight hairline on base of neck barely visible with magnifying glass. Strong and stable and presents beautifully. The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China cannot be underestimated. In fact, the ancient unification of the Chinese Empire was due in large part to the horse. Their rapid mobility allowed for quick communication between far away provinces. Likewise, the military role of horses aided in the conquest and submission of distant lands. The need to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the native Mongol pony) led to the creation of the Silk Road. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered, believed to be relatives of dragons, a theory reflecting their sacred status within society. During the Tang Dynasty, the adoration of the horse can be seen through their burial art. Horse models excavated from mausoleums of the period are among the most splendid and easily recognizable works of Chinese art. This work is remarkable for the amount of the original pigment that has survived the ravages of time, specifically apparent on the orange saddle. Equally impressive is the fact that the saddle has been separately crafted; it may once have supported a rider who is now lost to us. This gorgeous sculpture is a testament to the admiration and adoration the Chinese had for these marvelous creatures. Although they were an integral part in the expansion and defense of the empire, they were equally regarded for their beauty and grace as revealed by this sculpture. AVANTIQUES is dedicated to providing an exclusive curated collection of Fine Arts, Paintings, Bronzes, Asian treasures, Art Glass and Antiques. Our inventory represents time-tested investment quality items with everlasting decorative beauty. We look forward to your business and appreciate any reasonable offers. All of our curated items are vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. Avantiques only deals in original antiques and never reproductions. We stand behind our treasures with a full money back return policy if the items are not as described. Please also consider Avantique’s antique and ancient Asian...

Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) Sancai glazed pottery horse The cream-glazed horse is naturalistically modelled standing on a rectangular base, with the mane, tail and hooves highlighted in amber glaze. The head is gracefully curved to the left, with a green and amber glazed saddle and blanket and foliate-shaped plaques detailed with moulded toads suspending from the trappings. Measures: Height: 14.24 Inches (36.2 cm) Width: 15.5 Inches (39.35 cm) Depth: 6 Inches (15.2 cm) Provenance: An English private collection, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1980s A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this item along with a lucite base. Condition; Excellent with one repair to right side saddle blanket. Some remaining frustrations throughout with areas of oxidation and a fine craquelure throughout. A formidable piece that presents beautifully. Notes: The present sancai horse...

Large Polychrome Fruitera Pedestal Dish, Cocle Culture, Panama A large pedestal dish with two hammerhead shark-like sea creatures in plum, ochre and b...

A visibly old pair of mold-formed terracota women kneeling, dating to the Majapahit Empire circa the 15th century. These were excavated amongst the shrines of Mount Penganggungan, Ea...

A Large Han Dynasty Terracotta sculpture of a Mythical Beast. Possibly a horned tiger but most probably a winged lion often seen in ancient jade sculptures. I cant emphasize how ra...

Han Dynasty life size Terracotta sculpture of a dog. Buried in a tomb for thousands of years; this mingqi companion has decided to come back and accompany the living. I’m actually taking a liking to this pup; most probably a fierce pit bull...

This Majapahit horse is crafted from terracota and is mounted on a stand. It was excavated amongst the shrines of Mount Penganggungan, East Java, Indonesia. Terracotta pottery was an...

Pendant China - Ming period (1368-1644) Green jade with brown shades, carved and incised.

Pair of 1870s English carved wood lions.

Pair of Chinese Han dynasty horse heads Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) earthenware gray pottery Each approx.: 6.25 inches high. 6.5 inches wide. 2...

A recumbent Bactrian camel resting on folded legs, with remnants of white polychrome slip evident, terracotta, 618 AD to 906 AD. Measures: Height 10 in...

A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome equestrian horse and riders made from gray pottery, presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable. Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horsed in that lot) Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019. AVANTIQUES is dedicated to providing an exclusive curated collection of Fine Arts, Paintings, Bronzes, Asian treasures, Art Glass and Antiques. Our inventory represents time-tested investment quality items with everlasting decorative beauty. We look forward to your business and appreciate any reasonable offers. All of our curated items are vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. Avantiques only deals in original antiques and never reproductions. We stand behind our treasures with a full money back return if the items are not as described. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome Equestrian Horse and Riders made from gray pottery, Presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable. Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horses in that lot). Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the Empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

Rare, pair of 13th century, Romanesque, marble, recumbent lions Recumbent lions were popular in 11th-13th century Italian architecture with pairs ...

Set of three prehistoric ammonite fossil, unmounted. Measurements: Big amonite: Depth *4.5in Width *5.5in Height *1.6in Medium amonite: Depth *4.1in Width *5.1in Height *1.6in...

An evocative Chinese Tang dynasty (618 to 906 AD) sancai glazed pottery model of a braying camel. The camel is well modeled, standing foursquare upon a rectangular plinth, neck raised, head thrown back, and mouth open in either a defiant, or triumphant, bray. Although sancai means "three color", this particular camel is glazed with only two colors - mostly in amber, with patches of straw glaze mimicking the large patches of fur along the camel's legs, humps, head and neck. TL tested...

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...

Fine Costa Rican Jade Axe God, Guanacaste-Nicoya region, ca. A.D. 1-1500 Of celt form depicting the mythical part human- part avian figure, with circular eyes...

Pre-Columbian Jade COSTA Rican Avian Effigy pendant Atlantic Watershed 500AD- 1500AD Measures: Length 9.75 inches Width 1.15 inches Depth .75 inch Very nice COSTA Rican jade (axe god...

Nicoya Ceremonial Basalt Stone Seat in Shape of a Jaguar. Published in the Arizona Museum. This large and finely carved example of Costa Rican skill and craftsmanship is in the form of a jaguar which may have been a lineage or clan symbol - as also was the crocodile - according to 16th-century Spanish conquistadors. There are so many features that make this masterpiece so unique. The most realistic depiction is the face with its head captured in a pose that is threatening and fierce. Sculptors in ancient Central America developed elaborate metate forms that were associated with high status and wealth. They were commonly placed within graves of prominent individuals. Certain ancient rituals must have incorporated this activity and required special metates to be created for this purpose. It may have also served as a throne for the ruler, for whom the assurance of the fertility of his land and people would have been paramount. Even today, stone metates...

An extremely rare Chinese painted pottery model of an armored horse, Six Dynasties period (220-581 AD), TL tested by Oxford Authentication. The stocky ...

A powerfully sculpted Chinese Tang Dynasty pottery model of a camel. The camel is portrayed in a walking stance, long neck extended, with head held high, mouth askew chewing cud. The...

Sculpture Sichuan pottery walking Han dynasty period, China. A Han sculpture in the shape of a dog. Of the large number of figurines unearthed in burial sites in the city, pottery dogs are among the most unique. These marvelous animated tomb figurines...