East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A handsome pair of pottery horse riders, both rendered in elegant naturalism and a refined sense of nobility, with great remains of vibrant pigments. Each muscular steed stands upright with a proud, puffed chest and a neatly coiffured mane, while each rider straddles his back, arms bent and fists clenched as though holding reigns. Note how the sculptor delineated the details of the rider's form and clothing, including a receptacle for carrying weapons or implements on his back. 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, structures, etc. Size (both about the same): 10.4" L x 4" W x 11.2" H (26.4 cm x 10.2 cm x 28.4 cm); 12.2" H (31 cm) on included custom stand.
Even though they were mass produced, mingqi of the Han Dynasty 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.
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, structures? Even though they were mass produced, mingqi of the Han Dynasty 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: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection
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#191807
Condition
Both have been professionally repaired with restoration in areas, especially on legs of horses, as well as over break lines. Chipping along some visible break lines on one figure. A few nicks and abrasions, as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, both have an excellent presentation with great remaining pigments and earthen deposits throughout.