Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Fine and Rare Buff Pottery Figure of a Prancing Horse, TL test, H-35 cm. - 35×34×20 cm

Fired in antiquity. Genuine and original pottery item. China, Good condition. The present lot is coming from exceptionally fine pair of horses. See last photo. The other horse is going to be sold as well in one of the coming auctions. Outstanding and monumental pottery "mingqi" representing a painted grey pottery mode of a prancing horse. Grey earthenware coated with white slip and remains of white, black, and red pigment. Tang Dynasty (618-907) , Xián, Shaanxi province, China Height 34 wide 35 cm. , Well-modelled in spirited pose with a briskly raised left and right forelegs, the head with well-articulated features, mouths agape, flaring nostrils, bulging eyes and a divided forelock swept to either side of the pricked ears, the arched necks with full flowing mane falling just short of the saddles and pleated saddle cloth. With its dynamic pose, the horse conveys a lively sense of energy. The long, elegant manes and prancing positions represent one of a highly desirable and rare group of trained dancing horses that were much in demand by the Imperial household and its guests. - A Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques (specialist in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam) will accompany the item. - The result of the thermoluminescence tests, are consistent with the dating of the item, Tang dynasty, (ca. 1350 years old) . Sampling in 3 different points - A- Back horse, B- Saddle horse, C- Chin horse. - Extra test: Pre-dose test has been done: Pre-dose test confirms old firing without any kind of artificial x-ray treatments! Provenance: Dutch private collection. Mr. P. O. Amsterdam Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. It will be professionally packed and safely send in a wooden crate by Fed. Ex. Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own country About us Becker Antiques is one of the most leading reputable antique dealers in the Netherlands. Becker Antiques is a name and place that speaks of excellent antiques and art, outstanding service, and worldwide expertise. Founded in 1969 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is based in Museum quarter, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, in a magnificent five-floor townhouse build 1891, at a few minutes from “Rijksmuseum” (National Museum of Art) , the Van Gogh Museum and the famous “Royal Concertgebouw”. Becker Antiques main field covers ceramics – pottery funerary figures (dated from the Han through the Ming dynasties) , Buddhist sculptures and other Chinese works of art. Our other sections are Asian works of art – concerns objects from Japan and South East Asian countries including bronze, stone and wooden sculptures, Chinese furniture from the Qing Dynasty and of course occasional other items. For the last 52 years we have been selling antiques to museums, private collectors, and dealers all over the world. The seller of this lot hereby guarantees that this object was obtained legally. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this object(s) . The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on style, patina and a TL test. No further tests, an analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.