Chinese Cloisonné Horses on Stands

A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome Equestrian Horse and Riders made from gray pottery, Presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA. Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable. Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horses in that lot). Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019. The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the Empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

Han Dynasty painted pottery horse and rider A Chinese Han Dynasty painted pottery horse & rider. Made from grey pottery and cold-painted in white, red and black pigments. The rider dressed as a warrior and in the pose of holding reins for the horse. Comes with a custom sturdy lucite stand. Measures: Height: 13.5 inches (33cm). Length: 13 inches Depth: 5 inches Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220). Condition: Very good with past restoration to legs. The great influence of the horse throughout the history of China can...

A fine Han dynasty polychrome painted terracotta horse and rider. The warrior is dressed in orange and black on a black horse. Measures: Height 14 inches (35 cm) Width 12.5 inches (32 cm). Condition: Excellent with tastefully undetectable repairs. During the unification of China under the Han dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...

A Chinese Archaistic Bronze Covered Vessel China. 19th Century Dimensions:7 x 9-1/2 x 7-1/4 inches (17.8 x 24.1 x 18.4 cm) Condition: Very good with wear. AVANTIQUES is dedicated to...