C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. A large ceramic figurine of a Bactrian camel, also known as a Mongolian camel, with a rider. The beast features a sandy pelt, while its characteristic mane, beard and the air of its upper leg are picked out in a coral-red. It stands in a contrapposto pose, with its right leg foreleg forward, as if walking, and its head is thrown back as if bellowing. Atop its back is a saddle-pad with carefully delineated details, including a lantern on the left-hand side. The rider is a depicted as a plump, older man with a raised fist, who wears a knee-high boots, tight trousers and open-chested vest; he sports a neat beard and moustache, carefully picked out in black. The Bactrian camel is an exceptionally hardy beast of burden, easily able to cope in the harsh deserts of Central Asia which border China. The domestication of these creatures allowed the development of the ancient Silk Road, which transported people, ideas and luxury goods between China and the West, by crossing the massive and inhospitable terrain which divided them. This beautiful figurine probably reflects medieval Chinese respect for a beast without which such trade would not have been possible. The Tang dynasty ruled most of China between AD 618 and 907, and this period is widely viewed as an era of progress and stability, during which many scientific and artistic advances were made. Excellent condition. A similar item, albeit with a younger rider, recently sold at Christie’s for HKD 6,100,000, see https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-finely-painted-pottery-figure-of-a-6113490-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6113490 Size: L:610mm / W:440mm ; 9.4kg. Provenance: Private collection of an Oxford professional, formed in the 1970s-1990s on the UK art market.