C. 386-534 AD. Northern Wei Dynasty. A painted pottery figure of a caparisoned horse. The horse stands foursquare with its head drawn inwards, and its tail lowered. Its pelt is picked out in a beautiful deep red, reminiscent of the tones traditionally associated with wealth in Chinese society, while its mane is reserved the light tan colour The creature is decked out with a carefully-modelled strap-and-boss bridle, a prominent breastgirth ornamented with bells, and a long, tasselled saddle. The horse is the seventh of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and represents strength, energy and an outgoing nature. Indeed, some peoples including Mongolians and Manchurians, revere and worship the horse and its power. Ceramic figures such as this item would often have ritual functions, reflecting beliefs in the ability of the horse to provide assistance, luck and companionship. The Northern Wei dynasty ruled northern China from c. 386 to 534 AD, and its most famous achievement was unifying a large empire following a long period social and political turbulence. However, craftsmen working under this dynasty were also responsible for beautiful works of art, as this object exemplifies. Excellent condition. Comes fully authenticated with a TL test from Ralf Kotalla laboratory, Germany. A comparable example was recently sold at Christie’s for £29,375 , see https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-painted-grey-pottery-figure-of-a-1791461-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=1791461 Size: L:380mm / W:330mm ; 3.1kg .Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.