CHINESE TANG DYNASTY TERRACOTTA RIDER WITH BIRDS- TL

C. 618 - 907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. An unusual and beautiful moulded figure of a horse and its rider. The horse is modelled in a standing pose on a square base. The animal's neck is slightly turned to the left, with its ears pricked forward attentively. The muscles are rendered in great detail on the neck and hind quarters. The tail is depicted docked and bound in the traditional fashion. The rider wears a traditional gown. Particularly noteworthy is his headdress in the shape of a peacock(?). In his left hand, he is holding a small bird. In China peacocks were symbols of culture and enlightenment and can be found in literature dating back to the Han dynasty. In the Tang dynasty, peacock feathers were apparently bestowed on both civil and military officials as marks of imperial favour, rewarding faithful service. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Provenance: Private London collection of Asian Art; formerly in an old British collection. Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. Size: L:620mm / W:460mm ; 8.2kg