A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES

Lot 129 A PAIR OF LARGE CHINESE POTTERY TANG HORSES

Reference: ART10010155

A majestic pair of large Tang dynasty painted pottery horses with thermoluminescence authentication, each with detachable saddle and elaborate tail ornaments. The impressive pair of figures depicts two powerful standing horses. Executed in fine detail, the animals are rendered with dynamic postures—one turning its head slightly to the side as if neighing, the other gazing forward with a composed expression. Each with strong muscular contours and elegant long legs set in a natural stance, typical of the period.
Their saddles are detachable and carefully modelled, one of them adorned with hanging ornaments at the sides. Both tails are braided and tied with an ensuite ornament. The horses are finished with an aged cream-white pigment, now showing signs of weathering and natural encrustations, typical of pieces of great age.

Including two thermoluminescence analysis reports by ‘Oxford Authentication’, England, dated 16 July 2021 and conducted by Dr. Claudia Delank. By taking several samples, Oxford concludes that the last firing of the figures took place between 900 and 1500 years ago, dating them firmly to the Tang dynasty (618–907).

Dimensions:
• Left horse: Height 74 cm, Length 82 cm, Width 24 cm
• Right horse: Height 71 cm, Length 67 cm, Width 24.5 cm

In a remarkably well-preserved condition considering their age. Some expected losses of pigment, minor wear consistent with age, and surface irregularities from the original firing. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference.

Provenance: Acquired from the respected Asian Art dealer ‘Becker Antiques’, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Previously part of a large private collection in Wiesbaden, Germany.

As the Chinese empire extended deep into Central Asia during the Tang dynasty, horses played a vital role in both warfare and diplomacy. These elegant ceramic figures reflect the cultural richness and cosmopolitanism of the Tang court, where horses were not only treasured for their practical uses but also celebrated as status symbols and subjects of artistic representation.

Estimate
€10,000 - €12,000
Minimum bid
€9,000