TANG DYNASTY (618-907)

Details

A MASSIVE SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY FIGURE OF A FERGHANA HORSE
TANG DYNASTY (618-907)
Naturalistically modelled standing foursquare on a rectangular slab base, covered in a rich amber glaze draining onto the hooves and burnt a darker caramel in areas, the head slightly turned to the left, its blaze, striated forelock, mane and dressed tail splashed with a straw glaze, its ears pricked, eyes bulging, nostrils flared and mouth open to show its teeth, the well-molded trappings glazed in green and dark amber and the saddle glazed green with amber borders
27½in. (70 cm.) high

Provenance

Christie's, New York, 2 June 1994, lot 253A.

Lot Essay

Elaborately caparisoned sancai horses of this imposing size are found in two postures: standing foursquare facing forward and foursquare with the head turned to the left and ears cocked. The present horse is modelled in the latter, more graceful and animated pose.
The elaborate trappings characteristically show the influence of Sassanian art on that of 8th century China. The complex, jewel-like decorations applied to the harness of this horse are mirrored in other Chinese decorative arts of the period. The present foliate plaques are known as 'hazel leaf' or 'apricot leaf.' For actual examples of similar gilt-bronze ornaments unearthed from the tomb of Princess Yongtai, buried in 706, see Y. Mino and J. Robinson, Beauty and Tranquility: The Eli Lily Collection of Chinese Art, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 1983, pl. 61, fig. E.

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