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Large Tang Dynasty Prancing Horse with Oxford TL Test

$23,500
£17,831.26
€20,388.45
CA$32,823.13
A$36,494.85
CHF 19,055.60
MX$444,231.22
NOK 243,141.13
SEK 227,811.62
DKK 152,162.76
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About the Item

This spirited Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) prancing horse is handsomely model with one foreleg raised, it’s mane swept to one side, expressive pricked ears, flared nostrils and open mouth bearing its teeth. The tail is docked tail and is neatly tied. This terracotta horse has traces of painted pigmentation that once adorned it. After their Han ancestors, the emperors of the Tang Dynasty continued to import purebred horses. Most of them served in wars but the most handsome were kept and trained for parades. We know that the Emperor Xuanzong (712-756) had a stud farm with 400 horses trained to dance to music. This prancing horse is a representation of the dancing horses of the Tang dynasty. The Oxford TL test results show that this piece is consistent with the Tang Dynasty period.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 8th Century
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Due to the age of this piece, there were some restorations made, UV light shows a repair on a broken back leg, which are indicated in the photos and minor surface repairs on the hoofs. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU945031011512

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