A PAIR OF PAINTED POTTERY FIGURES OF POLO PLAYERS
Tang dynasty
The horses modeled in full gallop with front and back legs outstretched and with heads tilted slightly to one side and ears pricked in a naturalistic pose, the male riders leaning forward and with arms in a game posture, each wearing long tunics with wide lapels and a tight fitting cap with rounded top section, the horses bodies with traces of white pigment with painted details, the riders in differing pigments of opposing teams.
13 5/8in (34.7cm); 13 1/4in (33.8cm) long; 11 3/8i (29.2cm); 10 5/8in (27.2cm) high
Footnotes:
唐 加彩灰陶馬球人物俑兩件

Provenance:
Sotheby's, New York, 19 March 1997, lot 189
The Harold and Ruth Newman Collection, Connecticut, 1997-2022

來源：
紐約蘇富比，1997年3月19日，拍品編號189
Harold and Ruth Newman舊藏，康州，1997-2022年

The popularity of the sport of polo in Tang China is evidenced by the various models of these figures, shown either riding on 'galloping' horses without support, or on horses firmly standing on rectangular bases. The earliest literary references to stories of Polo-playing within the Imperial elite date to the 7th and 8th centuries. A wall mural found in the tomb of Li Xian, Crown Prince Zhanghuai, datable to the years 706-711, is illustrated by J. Fontein and Wu Tung, Han and Tang Murals, Boston, 1976, p. 101, nos. 122-125, col. pl. 15.

For a set of three female polo players on 'galloping' horses, see Christie's, New York, 30 May 1991, lot 263; and another pair at Christie's, New York, 27 November 1991, lot 305.

The result of Oxford thermoluminescence test no. 766y40 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

PLEASE NOTE: This report describes, but may not be limited to, major condition issues for the lot.

Both figures appear to be in good, stable condition. Good amount of painted colors and details still remain. Breaks to the bottom of the necks, horse legs where attaching to the bodies, and necks of the polo players - all nicely repaired. It is common to see breaks and repairs of Tang pottery figures.