Ancient Chinese Pottery Fabulous Horse. Tang Dynasty, 618 - 907 AD. 38 cm L. Intact. TL test

Fabulous Horse. - intact - - 2 TL test, one of 1976 and other actual - Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty, 618 - 907 AD Pottery 38 cm large and 27,5 cm height PROVENANCE: Private collection, A. D. Martos, Madrid, since January 7, 1976. Sold by Clavell and Morgades Antiques, Barcelona, 2010. Private collection J. Rovira, Barcelona, since 2010. CONDITION: Perfect, Intact. DESCRIPTION: During the Tang Dynasty, horses were revered creature, considered relatives of the mythical dragon. This veneration was well earned, for the speed and stamina of these majestic animals ensured the protection of the northern borders against barbarian invaders as well as enhancing communication capabilities between far away provinces, thereby aiding in the expansion of the empire. The need to import horses from Central Asia influenced the creation of the Silk Road. Thus, they were also prized for their rarity. Naturally then, horses became a status symbol for the aristocratic elite. Polo and other equestrian activities were popular pastimes. This sculpture, depicting a hooded man riding on the back of a white steed, reveals this connection between nobility and the horse. His cloak still retains a majority of its original white pigment, highlighted with red stripes. The horse’s harnesses are also represented by strokes of black paint while his nose and mouth are enhanced by vibrant red. We can imagine this rider marching with his steed in part of an important ceremony. A hole in his right hand suggests that he was once carrying a staff or spear that has long since deteriorated over the centuries. Discovered buried inside a tomb, this work was supposed to accompany the deceased throughout the afterlife. The striking beauty of this work is even more impressive, considering that it was created specifically for interment and was not supposed to be seen by the living. Today, we marvel in the beauty of this sculpture as much as its tremendous history and intriguing legacy. Notes: The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. - The piece includes authenticity certificate. - The piece includes Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union) . NOT TAXES. - According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes and will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: - Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. - From 6. 001 to 60. 000 euros: 10%. This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.