A PAINTED GRAY POTTERY FIGURE OF A CAPARISONED HORSE, NORTHERN QI DYNASTY

拍品描述

A PAINTED GRAY POTTERY FIGURE OF A CAPARISONED HORSE, NORTHERN QI DYNASTY Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 16 March 2026, based on sample number C126d33, sets the firing date of all three samples taken between 1100 and 1800 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. China, 550-577. Well modeled shown striding forward and dressed in a ceremonial ensemble, the ears pricked up in alert, the neck rising in a high arc and mane neatly combed to either side, the thick braided cord tied behind the head suspending a large tassel hanging over the chest above a row of floral-decorated tassels on the chest strap, the head further adorned with a tall plume and studded bridle, the elaborate saddle blankets flaring out to either side, draped with a pleated cloth gathered into an ornamental knot, the gray pottery body covered in white slip with brown, red, and black pigments still remaining. Dimensions: Height 58.8 cm Horses of the Northern dynasties are distinguished by their stiff legs, widely projecting trapezoid saddles, arched necks, broad chests, and relatively small heads. Horses were highly valued during this period, and the great imperial mounts were magnificently decorated showpiece-symbols of wealth and prestige that were ridden with pride by their owners. Following Emperor Xiao Wendi’s decree relocating the capital to Luoyang in 494 AD, tomb sculpture styles shifted markedly, reflecting the influence of southern court painting traditions. From the late Northern Wei period onward, equine representations became more naturalistic and elaborately adorned, a stylistic trajectory that continued into the Tang dynasty, evoking Central Asian and Persian influences. Examples of this type of horse sculpture appear in tombs from the late Northern Wei, Eastern Wei (534–550), and Northern Qi (550–577) in Hebei and Shanxi provinces. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related pottery striding horse, dated Northern Qi dynasty, 58.4 cm tall, in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, accession number 2004.205.2. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 September 2007, lot 225 Price: USD 67,000 or approx. EUR 94,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and decoration with similar head, pose, adornments, and pigments. Note the size (36.8 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 30 March 2005, lot 247 Price: USD 96,000 or approx. EUR 145,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and decoration with similar head, pose, adornments, and pigments. Note the size (50.4 cm).

图片