Large Han Dynasty Grey Pottery Horse Figure (206 BC to 220 China)

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Han Horse

35.00cm wide    40.00cm high    (13.78 inches wide  15.75 inches high)

References: Wemun, 1966, no. 3. Pl. 1-4, 1997, no. 10, p.17

Cf. The Quest for Eternity. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1987, Catalogue. P. 105,fig. 15
Cf. Spirit of Han (London 1991)

In excellent condition, with some minor restoration, and general fading of the pigments.

Horse stands foursquare, facing forwards with head held high; decorative saddle blanket and trappings extending around the horses neck culminating in five tear-drop shapes painted in white and red pigment. Musculature of the legs and hogged mane indicated using incised lines. Heavy brow and flaring nostrils are especially prominent.
Such pieces are known as 'Mingqi', produced expressly for burial, intended to console, comfort and protect the deceased in the afterlife. Burial was a primary concern of each Han emperor upon ascending the throne; a special department was set up and entrusted with the assemblage of suitable elaborate funerary articles, such as this piece. Famous examples include the Mausoleums containing large numbers of such horses found in the vicinity of the tombs of the first Han emperor, Gaozu, and the emperor Jingdi at Yangjiawan.

gbp 995 (Pound Sterling)

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