China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. Large and rare pottery equestrian molded to fit the body of a very large and wide horse. His legs are exaggeratedly long with long, thin, bare feet, thin body, and realistically modeled face. Arms are missing and were probably crafted of wood. Liberal remains of pink and black pigments. Custom museum-quality stand. TL certificate accompanies. Size: 20.5" H (52.1 cm), not including stand. With stand: Size: 15.5" W x 23" H (39.4 cm x 58.4 cm)

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.

Provenance: private Haig collection, Rochester, Michigan, USA, acquired over 25 years ago

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#124052

Repaired from 3 or 4 large sections, much original pigment remaining