Mingqi - Earthenware - Dancing horse and tamer (groom)with TL test - China - Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Outstanding pottery "mingqi" featuring a “dancing” horse with its groom (tamer) Dating back to the TANG DYNASTY (618-907) , as certified by the TL test performed by Ralf Kotalla, also remitted to the buyer. Sampling was made in 3 points : 2 for the horse and 1 for the groom. Grey pottery coated with white slip and remains of yellow, black and red pigments. Wonderful condition, no damage. Size: 54,5cm H x 47cm L (horse) and 29cm (groom) . From a private Belgian collection, acquired in 2014. The horse is naturalistically modeled with the left leg raised, pricked ears, mouth open and head turned slightly to the right. The mane is short; the tail is docked and tied. The horse is being tamed by its groom to dance with music under his guidance. With its dynamic pose and well-defined musculature, this horse conveys a lively sense of energy, which is heightened by the whinnying implied by its open mouth. It is possible that this horse may have represented one of the foreign “dancing horses” that performed for Emperor Xuanzong (712-756 AD) on the occasion of his birthday, to wish him long life. According to Zhang Yue, a leading court official, “these heavenly horses came from west of the sea and danced with bent knees and holding cups in their mouths… nimbly prancing, they keep in step with the music. ” Will be sent by Fed. Ex in a secure and insured wooden crate or can be delivered if not too far - and for same price. 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 it takes more than a few days. Catawiki disclaimer: This piece has been dated based on a TL test. No further tests, such as, an analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.