Han Dynasty Style Mid Century Terracotta Horse, Pair

Mid Century Large Brass Base Elephant Sculptures - Pair This sculpture measures: 24 wide x 26 deep x 53 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as mu...

Design Technics Style Mid Century Massive Table Lamps - Pair Each lamp measures: 26 wide x 26 deep x 44 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as mu...

A massive pottery pair of horses standing on all fours and striding with its right hoof forward. Extended snout ends in parted lips showing teeth beneath in a braying attitude. Low relief bridle on face and well defined eyes. Raised mane down back of the neck A fantastic example of the Wei dynasty horses. Large, exquisite walking Ferghana horses with great attention paid to anatomical detail were the choice of the wealthy. The horse was second only in importance to the dragon. It was supposed to possess magical powers which the early Chinese were eager to explore. It would be the horse that would carry the deceased to the next life and it would be the amount of horses that an individual owned that would guarantee his ongoing status in the hereafter. Thermoluminescence certificate from Madrid Labs included. In southern China, people turned to Daoism, and mingqi, as well as above-ground sculptures, became ever more infused with animal iconography and energized with dynamic lines. The north of China was eventually united by nomadic Tuoba invaders who founded the Northern Wei dynasty...

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...