Ca. 618-906 AD. An impressive and dynamic terracotta Sogdian rider depicted sitting on a galloping horse. The figure's face is sensitively painted with elaborate details, elongated eyes, pointed nose, and crisply carved mouth. The hollow-molded horse features well-defined ears, eyes, nose, and nostrils. The eyes, saddles, and trappings have been added in black pigment. The horse extends his legs in a dynamic pose in mid-air to give the illusion of the gallop. The original pigmentation survives largely intact. The Sogdians were an Iranian people whose homeland, Sogdiana, was located at the center of several of those routes, in present-day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with the full report will also accompany this lot. Includes custom-made stand. Size: L: 450mm / W: 350mm ; 3,5kg - without stand Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.