Mingqi - Pottery - Caparisoned Northern Wei parade horse, with TL test - China - Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589)

Outstanding earthenware"mingqi" featuring a standing, caparisoned parade horse. Northern Wei dynasty (386-534) confirmed by a thermolumescence test from Ralf Kotalla (will be transmitted to the buyer) . Size : 40cm H x 34cm L x 22 l. Black pottery covered with white slip and well preserved green, black, red and gold-gilt pigments. Wonderful condition, lots of pigment remaining. From an old private Belgian collection, acquired in 2012 by the current owner. This horse is typical from the Northern Wei style: Standing four square on stand with slender legs, small head leaning forward, with front mane lifted up in a finial. Also typical, the powerfully arched neck, broad chest, enhanced mane, undocked tail. Nicely modeled harnesses embellished with conch shells and bells. The saddle is very much detailed; the twisted red/green blanket comes atop a black stiff board designed to enhance the importance of the animal. Horse coming from the central Asian region of Ferghana, which was highly favored by the Chinese imperial court and upper classes for their spirit and vitality. Important information: The horse will be safely sent by FEDEX in a secure wooden crate. It can also be picked up or delivered if the distance is not too far, at the same price indicated for your country. 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 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.