ITEM: Statuette of a horse
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Chinese, Northern Wei Dynasty
PERIOD: 386 – 535 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 404 mm x 350 mm x 230 mm
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes Thermoluminescence test by Laboratory Kotalla (Reference 02PR180521)
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection (2022), Ex English art gallery, Ex English private collection, Ex Hong Kong art collector, acquired in the early 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

The Northern Wei Dynasty, which reigned from 386 to 534 AD, was a pivotal period in Chinese history characterized by a fusion of nomadic and Han Chinese cultural influences. Founded by the Tuoba clan of the Xianbei people, the dynasty was marked by significant territorial expansion and cultural achievements. The Northern Wei Dynasty played a crucial role in the Sinicization of northern China, adopting many aspects of Han Chinese culture while retaining elements of their own nomadic heritage. This period saw advancements in art, literature, and Buddhism, with the latter becoming the state religion during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, who initiated policies to sinicize the dynasty further.

One of the remarkable cultural artifacts from the Northern Wei Dynasty is the Horse Minqi statuettes. These miniature horse sculptures, typically crafted from ceramic, are renowned for their exquisite detail and craftsmanship. The Horse Minqi statuettes are believed to have served various purposes, including burial goods, offerings, and decorative items. They often depict horses in dynamic poses, capturing the vitality and grace of these animals. Some sculptures also feature riders, reflecting the importance of horsemanship and cavalry in Northern Wei society.

The Horse Minqi statuettes not only showcase the artistic achievements of the Northern Wei Dynasty but also provide valuable insights into the cultural and military practices of the time. Horses held great significance in nomadic cultures, symbolizing power, mobility, and prestige. As such, the production of these statuettes highlights the importance of horses in Northern Wei society, both in practical terms, such as transportation and warfare, and in symbolic and cultural contexts.Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 days return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.

Good condition. Includes Thermoluminescence test by Laboratory Kotalla (Reference 02PR180521)

40.4 x 35 x 23 cm