THE PROPERTY OF AN ENGLISH COLLECTOR
A RARE PAINTED RED POTTERY FEMALE POLO PLAYER ASTRIDE A GALLOPING PONY

TANG DYNASTY

Details
A RARE PAINTED RED POTTERY FEMALE POLO PLAYER ASTRIDE A GALLOPING PONY
tang dynasty
The spirited horse modelled as if in full gallop with all four legs extended and hoofs off the ground, the rider seated firmly in her saddle with feet stretched forward in the stirrups, her body twisted at the waist and dressed in a long tight-fitting costume, with her right arm raised to strike, her softly modelled face detailed in black and red pigment on a white slip beneath the black hair drawn up into a double topknot, much of the original pigment remaining, some restoration
16½in. (42cm.) long, perspex stand

Lot Essay

The result of thermoluminescence test, Oxford 566e3, is consistent with the dating of this lot.

This figure is closely related to the well-known group of four female polo players in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, referred to in the Handbook of the Collections, Kansas City, 1959, p.208; cf. also M.Medley, Tang Pottery and Porcelain, pl.41, p.51; compare further the polo player exhibited at the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-6, Catalogue, pl.2432, p.223.
Similar equestrian groups were sold in our New York Rooms on 9 November, 1978, lot 117 (a pair), and on 30 May, 1991, lot 263 (a set of three).

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