PAIR OF CHINESE TANG DYNASTY TERRACOTTA HORSES AND

C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. A pair of finely rendered Tang Dynasty terracotta moulded figurines depicting a male and female horse rider. The horses are modelled in a standing pose on a square base. The animals necks are slightly turned, with the 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 male rider is depicted wearing a cap and tunic that reaches to the end of the boots and trousers. His left arm is covered, while his right one holds a bird. The female rider is wearing an light coloured robe and black boots. A small dog sits behind her saddle, depicted in a curious pose. 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:Set of 2: 420mm / W:410mm ; 7.1kg