East Asia, China, Yuan Dynasty, ca. 1271 to 1368 CE. A remarkable mold-made pottery horse shown standing and rendered with impressive detail. Formed from a uniquely hued, dark gray clay, this noble steed is depicted naturalistically, presenting a round snout with incised nostrils, bulging, almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears, all surmounted by a centrally parted mane that flows down both sides of his long neck. A short tail extends outwards from his posterior, while an elaborate saddle sits atop his back, displaying large saddle flaps and a high-rising pommel and cantle. His snout and back end are also adorned by intricate harnesses, with a crisscross of straps on his buttocks displaying several applied clay buttons. Size: 10.8" L x 4.2" W x 10" H (27.4 cm x 10.7 cm x 25.4 cm)

According to Zhixin Jason Sun, Curator of the Department of Asian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The importance of horses rose to new heights in the Tang dynasty (618 to 907) when, as emblems of imperial power, they marched in state processions, galloped through royal hunting parks, raced across polo fields, and even danced before the emperor. Their portraits were painted by leading court artists, and their majestic form was modeled in brightly glazed pottery as tomb figurines and sculpted on marble plaques to adorn emperors' tombs as symbols of dynastic vitality." Beyond this, the horse played a significant role in the unification of the Chinese Empire, as the ancients could 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.

We see evidence of the reverence for the horse in the visual culture of ancient China. Imagery of horses abound in painting, literature, and sculpture. During the Tang dynasty, artists created burial art representing these revered animals. This particular piece depicts a large charger; this type of horse 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.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Splendors of the World, Hawaii, USA, before 2010

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#164590

TL holes under snout and inside of proper left hind leg. Bottom parts of legs have been repaired and restored. Repair to saddle and tail with restoration over break lines. Chips to tips of ears, as well as some minor chips, nicks, and light abrasions in some areas. Otherwise, excellent with remarkable preservation of detail.