Chinese Art - Tang Horses, Tang Horse and Riders

Our horse perfectly exemplifies the early artistic production of the Central Plains (Henan and Shaanxi provinces) during the 7th century AD, when more detailed sculptures of caparisoned horses were placed in the tombs of the wealthy as companions for the afterlife. This impressive sculpture -its legs, torso, and head individually moulded and then attached together- still retains much of the original white pigment intact. However, even more impressive, is the removable saddle with engraved details that was once painted orange. The horse's ears stand up in caution, its striking eyes well defined, a portion of its mane combed in front of the ears and split into a part. Its nostrils are flared and its mouth is semi-open, suggesting the horse's impatience to depart for a long vigorous journey. These rare features, in particular the open mouth, mane and removable saddle, are highly sought after by collectors. - (LA. 565)