Tang Dynasty Painted Pottery Horse and Rider, 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...

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

Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) Sancai glazed pottery horse TL Tested 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...

Tang Dynasty polychromed fat lady with child in arm. TL Tested Terracotta, pottery with traces of orange and green paint Sui to Tang Dynasty (581-618) Measures: Height: 20.2 inches (51cm) Width: 9.45 inches (24cm) Guaranteed Authentic with corresponding TL Thermoluminescence Test conducted by Artemis Testing Lab Included in the sale of this item. Condition: Excellent with loss to pinky and wear commensurate of age. This rare and outstanding ceramic court attendant was made during what many consider to be China’s Golden Age, the T’ang Dynasty. It was at this point that China’s outstanding technological and aesthetic achievements opened to external influences, resulting in the introduction of numerous new forms of self-expression, coupled with internal innovation and considerable social freedom. The T’ang dynasty also saw the birth of the printed novel, significant musical and theatrical heritage and many of China’s best-known painters and artists. The T’ang Dynasty took control in 618 AD, when the Li family seized power from the last crumbling remnants of the preceding Sui Dynasty. This political and regal regime was long-lived, and lasted for almost 300 years. The imperial aspirations of the preceding periods and early T’ang leaders led to unprecedented wealth, resulting in considerable socioeconomic stability, the development of trade networks and vast urbanisation for China’s exploding population (estimated at around 50 million people in the 8th century AD). The T’ang rulers took cues from earlier periods, maintaining many of their administrative structures and systems intact. Even when dynastic and governmental institutions withdrew from management of the empire towards the end of the period – their authority undermined by localised rebellions and regional governors known as jiedushi –the systems were so well-established that they continued to operate regardless. The artworks created during this era are among China’s greatest cultural achievements. It was the greatest age for Chinese poetry...