a chinese unglazed pottery tomb figure of a horse, tang dynasty 618-907ad

Description:
A Chinese unglazed pottery tomb figure of a horse standing four square feet, Tang Dynasty

Estimated Value : £5,000 - £7,000Measurements : Height: 43 cm, Width: 12 cm, Depth: 11 cmThe Tang dynasty (AD 618-906) represents a golden age of achievement in Chinese history. Under Tang rule, China became the richest and most powerful political unit in the world. China's success lay in its control of the oasis towns along the Silk Route, sending silk westwards and receiving luxury goods and animals such as horses. Camels were used as beasts of burden because of their ability to travel long distances on small rations of water.The Chinese did not follow one religion, but shared a mixture of beliefs, including the teachings of Confucius, Laozi, and Buddha. They believed in life after death, and worshipped their ancestors, and spirits of the home and countryside. In earlier times, a dead Chinese king was buried with servants, soldiers and horses, all killed to accompany him into the next world. Later, ceramic figures, such a the present model of a horse, were buried instead of people or real animals, for the dignitary to take with in him to the after-life. China's first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi was buried with an 'army' of thousands of clay soldiers. The present horse is a very good example of these Tang pottery tomb models.The rarity in the current model, is the rather large size of the horse and itsl good condition (apart from an old restoration to the rear left hoof). A very attractive and collectable piece.Country : China
Date of Manufacture : 618-907
Provenance : Properly of a Private London Collector.
Condition : In good overall condition. Themoluminesence analysis shows that it is consistent with the suggested date of manufacture. Please not there is a small restoration, only visible upon close inspection, to the rear left foot of the horse (see photo). In otherwise good conserved condition.
Materials : Unglazed pottery

Antiques.co.uk Ref: 7QE4ANRP

Width (cm):

12

Height (cm):

43

Depth (cm):

11

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