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THBChinese Tang Dynasty Polychrome Horse and Rider
Lot 84a
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$2,000 - $3,000
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Dec 17, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-12-17 10:00:00
2020-12-17 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : VARIETY SALE | Antiquities & Ethnographic Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/variety-sale-antiquities-ethnographic-art-6207
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Fine Art, more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Fine Art, more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (384)
- Lot Description
East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A finely mold-made and modeled terracotta horse and rider, beautifully painted with white, black, and red pigments, the rider dressed in an elaborate costume and playing a large flute or wind instrument of the aerophone (reedless) variety. Note how the sculptor delineated the details of the rider's form and clothing as well as the muscular body of the noble steed. During the Tang dynasty, the ancients placed such model figures in tombs to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. Size: 9" L x 3.625" W x 12.4" H (22.9 cm x 9.2 cm x 31.5 cm)
Who can say enough about the influence of the horse throughout the history of China! The horse played a significant role in the unification of the Chinese Empire, as this animal enabled the ancients to communicate to parties near and far due to the great speed of these noble steeds. The horse also assisted the military to conquer distant lands and grow the empire. As the desire for stronger, faster breeds grew, the ancients imported horses from Central Asia, leading to the creation of the famous Silk Road.
The horse grew very significant during the expansion of the Tang golden age. This impressive charger served as both a symbol of imperial stability that engendered bountiful trade and prosperity for the expanding empire and the reward of military exploits to the west. The most cherished horses were raised in the western kingdom of Ferghana and known as "blood-sweating horses." These were delivered as tribute to the reigning emperor. In general, for the ancient Chinese, horses were a sign of wealth.
Tomb attendants like this one are part of a class of artifacts called mingqi - sometimes known as "spirit utensils" or "vessels for ghosts". They became popular in the Han Dynasty and would persist for several centuries. Alongside figures like this one were musicians, athletes, animals, and special structures. Even though they were mass produced, mingqi often show a high level of detail and naturalism. These were designed to assist the po, the part of the soul of the deceased that remained underground with the body while the hun, the other part of the soul, ascended. Caring for the po seems to have taken on a new level of meaning in the Han period, with more elaborate rituals and tomb construction arising.
Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#159251Repairs to all four horse legs, with restoration to right arm of rider and both horse ears, with resurfacing, overpainting, and some earthen material along new material and break lines. Abrasions and nicks to rider, horse, and platform, with fading to original pigment in some areas, and some encrustations. Nice remains of original pigment throughout.Condition
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