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ID #SA1227612
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£2,900
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Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality
Artsonline
for sale €3,393     $3,683
£2,900
Artsonline

Artsonline

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2018
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Id #SA1227612
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Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Pre 16th century
For Sale by Artsonline
Description

Exceptional 9th-Century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Brief Description:

This is a superb and highly evocative original Chinese Tang Dynasty terracotta horse dating from the 9th century AD, a remarkable survivor from one of China's greatest artistic periods.

Expertly modelled with its head lowered in a natural grazing pose, the horse displays the elegant proportions and quiet dignity for which Tang Dynasty equestrian sculptures are celebrated. It retains traces of its original hand-painted pigments, including warm ochre, cream and reddish-orange decoration, together with an elaborately detailed saddle cloth featuring finely incised scrolling motifs. These surviving remnants of polychrome decoration greatly enhance both its visual appeal and historical significance.

During the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907), horses were regarded as powerful symbols of wealth, prestige and military strength. Sculptures such as this were created as mingqi (spirit objects) and placed within the tombs of nobles and high-ranking officials to accompany and protect them in the afterlife. The finest examples are admired today for their remarkable realism, expressive modelling and enduring sense of movement.

The sculptor has beautifully captured the gentle character of the animal, with its lowered head, alert ears and graceful stance conveying a wonderful sense of calm and naturalism. The beautifully weathered surface and authentic age-related patina further testify to its considerable antiquity.

Presented in honest, untouched condition commensurate with its great age of over 1,100 years, this outstanding Tang Dynasty horse would make a magnificent centrepiece for any collection of Chinese antiquities, Asian works of art, or museum-quality decorative interiors.

A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic 9th-century Tang Dynasty sculpture that combines historical importance, artistic excellence and timeless decorative appeal.

Attributes:

Chinese

Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)

Circa: 8th - 9th Century

Condition:

Stunning condition commensurate with its age - museum quality

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 12.9'' | 32.2 cm

Width: 14'' | 33 cm

Depth: 6.5'' | 14.4 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

We take great care and plenty of time to ensure the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy.

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome

Image result for payments accepted logos

Secure-Payment-VPADeb-sa-la-go-th-et-an-gt-0042386-BACS-Order-PayPal-M/Card

Physical Dimensions
Height
32.7cm (12.87")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
16.5cm (6.50")
Declaration

Artsonline has dated this Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1227612
Dealers Notes

CONTACT US:

Please feel free to call us.

We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 01749 595 507

Mobile: 07784 085 135

Outside the UK:

Tel: 0044 1749 595 507

Cell: 0044 7784 085 135

PAYMENT:

We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Square and Bank transfer (BACS).

Description
Exceptional 9th-Century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Brief Description:

This is a superb and highly evocative original Chinese Tang Dynasty terracotta horse dating from the 9th century AD, a remarkable survivor from one of China's greatest artistic periods.
Artsonline
fig 1. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 1. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Expertly modelled with its head lowered in a natural grazing pose, the horse displays the elegant proportions and quiet dignity for which Tang Dynasty equestrian sculptures are celebrated. It retains traces of its original hand-painted pigments, including warm ochre, cream and reddish-orange decoration, together with an elaborately detailed saddle cloth featuring finely incised scrolling motifs. These surviving remnants of polychrome decoration greatly enhance both its visual appeal and historical significance.

fig 2. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 2. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

During the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907), horses were regarded as powerful symbols of wealth, prestige and military strength. Sculptures such as this were created as mingqi (spirit objects) and placed within the tombs of nobles and high-ranking officials to accompany and protect them in the afterlife. The finest examples are admired today for their remarkable realism, expressive modelling and enduring sense of movement.

fig 3. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 3. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

The sculptor has beautifully captured the gentle character of the animal, with its lowered head, alert ears and graceful stance conveying a wonderful sense of calm and naturalism. The beautifully weathered surface and authentic age-related patina further testify to its considerable antiquity.

fig 4. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 4. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Presented in honest, untouched condition commensurate with its great age of over 1,100 years, this outstanding Tang Dynasty horse would make a magnificent centrepiece for any collection of Chinese antiquities, Asian works of art, or museum-quality decorative interiors.

fig 5. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 5. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

A rare opportunity to acquire an authentic 9th-century Tang Dynasty sculpture that combines historical importance, artistic excellence and timeless decorative appeal.

Attributes:

Chinese

Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)

fig 6. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 6. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Circa: 8th - 9th Century

Condition:

Stunning condition commensurate with its age - museum quality

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 12.9'' | 32.2 cm

Width: 14'' | 33 cm

Depth: 6.5'' | 14.4 cm

fig 7. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 7. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

fig 8. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 8. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

We take great care and plenty of time to ensure the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

fig 9. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 9. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

fig 10. A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
fig 10. Exceptional 9th-century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy.

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome

Image result for payments accepted logos

Secure-Payment-VPADeb-sa-la-go-th-et-an-gt-0042386-BACS-Order-PayPal-M/Card

Height
32.7cm (12.87")
Width
35.5cm (13.98")
Depth
16.5cm (6.50")
Date of Manufacture

Artsonline has dated this Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse to a period before the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1227612
Artsonline
Artsonline
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2018

Specialising in fine art & quality pottery - worldwide delivery - secure payments

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Artsonline Profile Page

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A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
1 / 15
Archive I A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.

Exceptional 9th-Century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality

Archive II A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View II
Archive III A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View III
Archive IV A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View IV
Archive V A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View V
Archive VI A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View VI
Archive VII A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View VII
Archive VIII A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View VIII
Archive IX A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View IX
Archive X A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View X
Archive XI A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View XI
Archive XII A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View XII
Archive XIII A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View XIII
Archive XIV A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View XIV
Archive XV A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Bristol
Avon
United Kingdom
Verified Since Dec 2018
Items For Sale 298
Items Sold 179
Artsonline
Artsonline
Verified Since Dec 2018
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, Avon, United Kingdom
Verified
Dec 2018
For Sale
298
Sold
179
A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
Exceptional 9th-Century Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse Museum Quality
Ref: SA1227612
A terracotta horse figurine featuring a dappled coat pattern, draped saddle, and a head lowered towards its front hoof on a rectangular plinth.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Tang dynasty pottery horses are earthenware tomb figures, known as mingqi, created during the Chinese Tang period (618907 AD) to accompany the deceased into the afterlife as symbols of status and military power.

These figures were fashioned from moulded terracotta earthenware, fired at relatively low temperatures, and subsequently decorated with unfired mineral pigments or lead-based glazes.

Authenticity is evaluated through thermoluminescence testing to date the ceramics, along with examining natural soil accretion, mineral crystallisation, pigment degradation, and historical moulding techniques.

A pottery horse functions well as a focal accent on a sideboard top, mantelpiece, or dedicated display pedestal, illuminated with directional spotlighting against neutral walls.

Keep the earthenware in a climate-controlled room away from moisture and direct sunlight, dusting gently with a soft, dry camel-hair brush without applying water or chemical cleaners.
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