Han Sculptures

20th century cast iron sculpture or hitching post of a Han (or Tang) Dynasty style horse with muscular cheeks, open mouth and no legs. Mounted on a hollow, dovetailed, un-finished wo...

Pair of terracotta bricks with traces of polychromy representing for one a character driving his chariot drawn by a horse and for the other a character training his horse. These two...

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...

Superb sculpture of a laying doe from the Chinese Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). Remainders of polychromic paint, namely red, symbol of good fortune and joy as well as the season of summer, and green, symbol of vigor and vitality and the season of spring. Mounted on base. Condition seen in pictures. Dimensions in cm ( H x L x l ) : - Sculpture : 35 x 40 x 10 - With base : 45.5 x 44 x 15 The Han Dynasty ruled China from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D. and was the second imperial dynasty of China. It is known for its promotion of Confucianism as the state religion and opening the Silk Road trade route to Europe, permanently altering the course of Chinese history. Han Dynasty art and inventions like paper still influence the world today. From the Han Dynasty to the present, deer can be found in many materials and media—rock crystal, nephrite, ink on paper, porcelain, cloisonné enamel, jade, bamboo root, textile, bronze, etc.—alone or in groups, among trees and rocks and in various positions. They appear on everyday objects, from boxes to incense burners, incense holders, lamps, mirror holders and the droppers scholars used when they wrote. A symbol of longevity and grace in Chinese mythology, the word deer is pronounced lu, a homonym for emoluments—favors granted to officials. They therefore represent wealth, nobility and success in imperial examinations (civil service exams for selecting candidates for the state bureaucracy in Imperial China). Deer were the faithful companions of Shu Lao, the god of longevity, and the goddess Magu. They were reputed to live long and to be the only creature able to find the mushroom of immortality, linghzhi. Although its spots are different, deer are sometimes confused or associated with stags, a Manchu hunting trophy whose antlers served to make prestigious furniture. (La Gazette Drouot, Claire Papon) For the colours found on this piece, in Chinese culture, red symbolizes good fortune and joy. Green, symbolizes the spring when everything is brimming over with vigor and vitality. The Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.) continued the Qin Dynasty’s use of dark colours, but incorporated red. During the earlier years, or Western Han Dynasty, ordinary people wore red while court dress was black. Shoes were red in color. The clothing worn for sacrificial rites was black edged with red. In the later Eastern Han Dynasty, red symbolized the dynasty’s “fire Virtue” and became predominant. Court dress was red. Sacrificial rites called for a red-edged white layer under robes with red socks...

Nice examples of Han Dynasty style terracotta duck bottles. No breaks. No chips. No repairs. Paint has worn over the years.

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 twentieth century Han dynasty style bronze recumbent horse with three legs tucked under the body and head slightly turned. The well incised mane gath...

A pair of vintage solid stone court attendants. Of tall slender form, wearing long flowing robes flaring at the bottom with hands within wide, decorative cuffs. The realistically mod...

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 pair of hand carved, large solid stone horse statues. The recumbent horses are crafted with two legs tucked under the body and tail flicked to o...

A small Chinese terracotta tomb figure (Ni Yong) from East Han dynasty (25-220 AD), likely from the area of nowadays Sichuan. It depicts a sitting male wit...

A pair of very large and expressive opposing Foo Lions in Granite with an overall gray-green speckled finish. The lions are seated, one with its pup and the other holding a long stemmed flower. Measures: height 37", wide 16", depth 32" approximate weight of both lions is 3,000 pounds. Condition: Please see all detail photos. Both tails with losses on the ends, there is a larger repair in cast stone or ceramic, to the face of one Lion...

A fine Han dynasty polychrome painted terracotta horse and rider. The warrior is dressed in orange and black on a black horse. Measures: Height 14 inches (35 cm) Width 12.5 inches (32 cm). Condition: Excellent with tastefully undetectable repairs. 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 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...

C. 386-534 AD. Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. A pre Tang Dynasty terracotta brick in a cream-coloured fabric featuring a beautiful depiction of a...

C. 386-534 AD. Chinese Northern Wei Dynasty. A interim Han-Tang Dynasty terracotta brick in a cream-coloured fabric featuring a beautiful depict...

Monumental Pottery Watch Tower in Green Glaze; Han Dynasty (2016 BC -AD 220) Earthenware three-storied pavilion from the Eastern Han Dynasty. Each of the...

Pair of Chinese Han dynasty horse heads Han dynasty Style (206 BC-220 AD) earthenware gray pottery Each approximate measures: 6 inches high. 6...

A pair of 20th century solid stone court lady statues. The full face is with long slender eyes under arched brows flanking a strong straight nose. Hair held...

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...

Chinese, Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 906 AD) A pair of semi-human earth spirit figures seated on their haunches with cloven hooves planted firmly on the base...

Huge Han Dynasty Terracotta figure Of A Court Lady. TL Test conducted by Ralf Kotalla Laboratory in Germany. Report included. Height: 29...

An early 20th century Chinese Republic period carved hardstone drinking vessel, called a rhyton, in the form of a mythical pixiu. The archaistic vessel carved in the Han Dynasty style from a single block of lavender gray nephrite and featuring a large horn-shaped cup being supported by a mythical pixiu. The pixiu carved with a nice sense of motion, head reared back, mouth open, and claws bared. The cup bearing a design of large horned taotie ogre masks on either side. The stone with areas of artificial "calcified" patination.  The pixiu is an ancient beast from...

A fantastic Han style terracotta figure. Such a figure is seen in the Han dynasty dating 206 BC-220 AD. The figure is of an alluring girl who is in a showing his suit. She has a full...

A Chinese terracotta tomb figure (Ni Yong) from East Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), likely from the area of nowadays Sichuan. It appears to depict a groom figure with attires and harness i...

Pair of elegant, hand-carved, white hardstone, Chinese horses with gilded details. Each outfitted with saddles, bridles and featuring braided rolled tails.

A beautiful pottery figure, Han style, in orange and pastel colors. What's special about this piece is the figure's facial expression. She is joyful. A pale blue military style helme...

Grand, crème glazed terracotta, Han-style, braying stallion sculpture.

A stunningly quiet and elegant Western Han dynasty (206 BCE - 9 CE) high fired gray pottery figure of a female long sleeved dancer. The young dancer is portrayed in a moment of quie...

A fantastic Han style terracotta figure. Such a figure is seen in the Han dynasty dating 206 BC-220 AD. This piece is one of the oldest pieces among our collections. He appears to be...

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...