East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A handsome pottery horse and rider, both rendered in elegant naturalism and a refined sense of nobility, with great remains of vibrant pigments. The muscular steed stands upright with a proud, puffed chest and neat coiffure, while the rider straddles his back, arms bent as though holding reigns. 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. Size: 10.5" L x 4.4" W x 11.9" H (26.7 cm x 11.2 cm x 30.2 cm)

According to the curatorial team of the Kimbell Art Museum that which has a similar horse and rider in its collection, "Historical records indicate that when important military officials died, the imperial Han court would give them elaborate funerals, including a full military cortege." Hence, this horse and rider was most likely originally part of a funerary entourage comprised of soldiers and cavalrymen created to honor a deceased official.

Provenance: ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000.

#175211

Professionally repaired with expertly done restoration. Expected surface wear commensurate with age as shown. Otherwise, very nice presentation with nice remaining pigments and liberal earthen deposits.