Tang Dynasty Figurative Sculptures

Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...

A well modelled pair of Tang dynasty painted pottery soldiers. The warriors portrayed standing, dressed in form fitting, elaborate layered Armor with fitted helmets. The breastplate...

A rare and unusual Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze figure of the Buddha as an infant. The young Prince Siddhartha, who would grow up to become the Buddha, is portrayed standing, one hand pointing to the sky, the other to the ground. He is naked, save for a baby apron...

A handcrafted terracotta horse in the style of the Tang Dynasty sculptural tradition. Much of the body of the piece is glazed with a dark indigo blue finish. Some fading in detai...

A charming Tang dynasty painted pottery figure of a horse and mounted noble rider. TL tested by Oxford Authentication. The horse portrayed standing fours...

A magnificent and large early Tang dynasty (618-906 AD) model of a prancing or dancing horse, circa 7th century. The majestic animal is caught mid-motion, one leg raised, head grace...

A painted pottery figure of a prancing horse, with right leg raised and head turned towards the left, the head well modelled with crisp features below pricked ears, saddle painted wi...

A fine and unusual statue of standing horse with a Persian rider. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) Silk Road trader from Persia, comes with Oxford authenticati...

A set of beautiful terracotta court ladies in the Han dynasty style. Featured are governesses whose jobs are to train the ladies of the house all manners and etiquette, as well as th...

A finely carved Chinese zitan wood figure of an unidentified bodhisattva, possibly Guanyin, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The androgynous figure has a plump, almost matronly face, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile. The hair in long tresses, gathered and tied in a high chignon. The enlightened being is portrayed seated in dhyanasana, bare feet resting on crossed legs, both soles pointing up. Thick robes billow and drape around the full figured body. The hands display...

Beautiful carving of Guanyin, shown standing on a rocky outcrop, mounted on a lobed wooden base. It was once used as a lamp, and can be rewired. Nice faded painted surface. Guany...

A striking pair of large Chinese glazed and painted pottery figures, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 16th century, China. The impressive and realistically modeled figures each portrayed standing upright upon a sancai (three color) glazed pedestal of kang table form. The man is dressed in a short black surcoat over a long robe and pants, a smart cap upon his head. His face is warm and welcoming, with wide eyes and a slight smile on his lips. He holds his hands out in front of him, palms up, almost as if shrugging, though presumably originally holding an object or offering, now lost. The woman of slightly smaller stature, and dressed in a longer surcoat over a long robe and skirt. She wears a fitted cap upon her head. Her hands also held out in front, grasping long lost objects. Her face is slightly more severe, with a somewhat pinched look, and slight frown upon her lips. The size of these figures is remarkable, as is the realism and attention to detail, almost as if they were modeled after real people, as opposed to the more common and generic Ming Dynasty pottery...