A Gray Pottery Figure of a Horse, Han Dynasty

This Ming Dynasty painted pottery horse is depicted standing on a tiered rectangular pedestal. The horse has a well-proportioned body, with sturdy legs and a slightly arched neck. The eyes and muzzle are subtly outlined and incised. The mane is sculpted with deep, parallel grooves. The tail is long and slightly curved left, extending downward. The saddle is prominently featured at the center of the horse’s back, detailed with a raised, rounded seat and an attached stirrup hanging down one side. The saddlecloth is textured with a crosshatch pattern, bordered by a row of carved fringe-like elements. The horse's legs display subtle musculature, and the hooves are clearly defined, with black pigment accentuating their edges. The original painted pigments, including white, black, and ochre, are still visible, though faded in some areas. The black pigment highlights the mane, tail, and parts of the bridle, while the ochre tones accentuate the saddle and decorative elements. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery Type: Figure Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse (Type : Closely Related) * Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties. A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...

The figure stands on a rectangular base. The horse is depicted in a poised stance, with strong, muscular legs and a slightly bowed head. The mane is carefully sculpted with deep, flowing grooves, adding a dynamic texture to the piece. The head features expressive details, including a well-defined muzzle, flared nostrils. The bridle and harness are delicately painted in faded green, contrasting against the creamy beige body. The saddle is adorned with intricate details, including decorative tassels and a textured pattern, indicative of the elaborate tack used in the Ming period. Traces of original polychrome pigments in green, black, and ochre remain on the surface, hinting at the sculpture’s once-vibrant appearance. The weathered patina and areas of flaking paint add to its historical authenticity, reflecting centuries of age. The overall craftsmanship and detailing exemplify the Ming Dynasty’s refined ceramic artistry, making this piece a remarkable representation of of asian culture during this period. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery Type: Figure Condition : Good(chips on the upper saddle.) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse (Type : Closely Related) * Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties. A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...

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Extremely rare Chinese pottery caparisoned horse from the Northern Qi region. A beautiful large sculptural piece, created in China during the Northern Qi dynasty period, between the 549 and 577 AD. This horse statue is extremely finely modeled of earthenware pottery, standing in a very elegant and majestic position striding on a trapezoidal shaped base. The animal has a gracefully arched neck to the left looking forward and its extremely well modeled. The head is adorned with a large detailed tassels of plumes and the body is embellished with a beautiful saddle and intricate harnesses. The trapping around the chest and rump is adorned with elaborated tassels and the straps are accented with multiples florets and bosses in high relief. Decorated with dotted and circles patterns. The surface is treated with applications of natural color pigments such; red, white and others. Has a measurements of 435 mm by 319 mm by 243 mm (17.10 x 12.55 x 9.55 Inches) (43.5 x 31.9 x 24.3 Cm). Northern Qi, was the successor state of the Chinese Xianbei state of Eastern Wei...

Exceedingly rare Chinese pottery caparisoned horse from the Northern Qi region. A beautiful sculptural piece, created in China during the Northern Qi dynasty period, between the 549 and 577 AD. This horse statue is extremely finely modeled of earthenware pottery, standing in a very elegant and majestic position striding on a trapezoidal shaped base. The animal has a gracefully arched neck to the left and its extremely well modeled. The head is adorned with a large detailed tassels of plumes and the body is embellished with a beautiful saddle and intricate harnesses. The trapping around the chest and rump is adorned with elaborated tassels and the straps are accented with multiples florets and bosses in high relief. The surface is treated with applications of natural pigments such; red, white and others. Has a measurements of 394 mm by 343 mm by 257 mm (15.53 x 13.52 x 10.15 Inches) (39.4 x 34.3 x 25.7 Cm). Northern Qi, was the successor state of the Chinese Xianbei state of Eastern Wei...

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