Items Similar to Northern Wei Dynasty Painted Terracotta Horse Torso, 386–534 A.D. or Later
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Northern Wei Dynasty Painted Terracotta Horse Torso, 386–534 A.D. or Later
$2,650
£2,038.56
€2,366.18
CA$3,737.13
A$4,186.22
CHF 2,198.75
MX$50,903.06
NOK 27,843.39
SEK 26,430.86
DKK 17,659.75
About the Item
A sculptural terracotta horse from the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 A.D.), featuring the head and torso rendered in a dynamic, upright pose. The surface is richly decorated with swirling bichrome painted tendrils and circular motifs across the body and an elaborate bridle over the head in ochre and white pigments. The expressive modeling of the muzzle and neck reflects the stylistic elegance typical of early Chinese equestrian forms.
The underside retains original socket fittings intended to receive detachable legs, suggesting this figure was part of a larger figure meant to symbolize status, power, or protection.
Weight: 2.07 kg (4.57 lbs)
Category: Asian Art / Antiquities / Sculptural Fragments
Style: Ancient Chinese, Northern Wei
Material: Terracotta with original polychrome decoration
Origin: China
Date: 386–534 A.D. or later
A captivating relic of early Chinese craftsmanship—imbued with cultural symbolism and aesthetic sophistication.
Provenance: Ex N. Forbes Collection, United Kingdom
Condition: Stable condition with expected wear to surface and pigment consistent with age. Some areas of flaking and accretion, particularly to the base and rear, but overall retaining strong decorative presence.
- Dimensions:Height: 8.63 in (21.93 cm)Width: 11.38 in (28.91 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
- Style:Primitive (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:386–534 A.D. or later
- Condition:Repaired: No visible restorations but might have had light restoration at some point. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Wear consistent with age and use.Condition: Stable condition with expected wear to surface and pigment consistent with age. Some areas of flaking and accretion, particularly to the base and rear, but overall retaining strong decorative presence.
- Seller Location:Bonita Springs, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9771245368292
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2015
1stDibs seller since 2024
20 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Bonita Springs, FL
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllCast Iron Tang Horse Sculptures in Aged Verdigris over Brass, on Plinths
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Cast Iron Tang Horse Sculptures in Aged Verdigris over Brass, on Plinths (Pair Available but priced per each)
Striking vintage Tang-style horse sculpturescrafted in cast iron and cl...
Category
20th Century Unknown Tang Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Iron
Exceptional Neolithic Chinese Painted Terracotta Storage Jar, 3rd Millennium B.C
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Exceptional Neolithic Chinese Painted Terracotta Storage Jar, 3rd Millennium B.C.
A rare and visually arresting terracotta storage jar from Neolithic China, dating to the 3rd millenn...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Primitive Jars
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Neolithic Chinese Painted Terracotta Storage Jar 3rd millennium B.C
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Neolithic Period, 3rd Millennium B.C. Chinese Painted Terracotta Storage Jar
An elegant Chinese terracotta storage jar from the Neolithic period, dating to the 3rd millennium B.C. Th...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Primitive Jars
Materials
Pottery, Terracotta
Chinese Painted Neolithic Jar Ca. 3rd-2nd millennium B.C.
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
A beautiful jar of piriform body, waisted neck, everted rim and integral rectangular-section with loop handles, circumferential bands of painted geometric motifs of hatched circles, ...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Primitive Jars
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Chinese Terracotta Neolithic Jar Ca. 3rd millennium B.C.
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Chinese Neolithic Terracotta Frog Storage Jar
China, 3rd Millennium B.C.
A striking example of Neolithic ceramic artistry, this elegant terracotta stor...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Primitive Jars
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
Chinese Painted Neolithic Jar Ca. 3rd-2nd millennium B.C.
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
A beautiful jar of piriform body, waisted neck, everted rim and integral rectangular-section with loop handles, circumferential bands of painted geometric motifs of hatched circles, ...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Primitive Jars
Materials
Earthenware, Pottery
You May Also Like
Monumental Han Dynasty Terracotta Horse - TL Tested - China, '206 BC–220 AD'
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A massive pottery horse with separately made head and tail, standing on all fours and striding with its right hoof forward. Extended snout ends in parted lips showing teeth beneath i...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Vintage Chinese Polychrome Wooden Horse Sculpture Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
A large and beautiful carved polychrome seated horse sculpture. Hand painted with a rustic red, blue and green patina. The horse is mounted to a wider plinth base.
Dimensions:
28...
Category
20th Century Tang Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
Tang Dynasty Large And Important Pottery Horse TL Tested
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Tang Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Ming Period Large Pottery Horse with Saddle (15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
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...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
$2,600 Sale Price
35% Off
China 549-577 AD Northern Qi Dynasty Ancient Caparisoned Horse in Earthenware
Located in Miami, FL
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...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Archaistic Antiquities
Materials
Earthenware, Clay, Paint
$30,280 Sale Price
20% Off
Terracotta Clay Horse Sculpture
By Tang Dynasty
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Tang Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
More Ways To Browse
Henry Schumacher
Hercules And Antaeus
Hindsgaul Mannequin
Hindsgaul Vintage Mannequin
Houdon Cupid
Ignacio Gallo Bronze
Indian Chief On Horseback
French Santons
G Lachaise
Gabberts Furniture
Galos Porcelain
Gebruder Heubach
Georges Omerth Bronze
Georges Omerth
Georges Recipon
Giovanni Girardi
Girl Blindfold
Giuseppe Gambogi