PAIR OF CHINESE TANG DYNASTY TERRACOTTA POLO PLAYERS

C. 618 - 907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. An exquisite set of two ceramic female polo players. These two ceramics show two women in the midst of a polo match. Both with in arm bent over their horse's neck as though holding the reins. The woman dressed in green has her mallet arm extended as though to strike the ball, whilst the woman dressed in orange has her mallet arm at a 90 degree angle, a pose often adopted during play to allow the rider to rest the mallet against the shoulder keeping their animal's legs clear. Both women ride with their black hair in an updo, full makeup with pale faces and cheeks heavily rouged though the differing colour tunics indicate that they are from opposing teams. Both horses, one cream and one chestnut have their legs extended in a pose indicating that they are moving at a gallop. Their equipment is carefully modelled and painted. Their nostrils and ears are also accented in red. The saddle blankets stand out with their colourful motifs. Polo was extremely popular during the Tang Dynasty, and many of the emperors of the period were avid fans who not only played themselves, but also encouraged officials, soldiers, civilians, and even ladies of status, such as the court ladies, to play. 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:Without stands, set of 2: 360 mm / W:540mm ; 11.6kg