C. AD 618 and 907. Tang Dynasty. A 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 blue 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 grey and one chestnut have their legs extended in a pose indicatine that they are moving at a gallop. Their equipment is carefully modeled and painted. Their nostrils and ears are also accented in red. Polo was extemely popular during the Tang Dyasty, 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. Excellent Condition. These items come comes fully authenticated with a TL test from Ralf Kotalla laboratory, Germany. A similar item was sold by Christies recently for £47,500: See https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/two-red-pottery-figures-of-female-polo-6140035-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6140035.Size: L:set of two: 370mm(smallest),390mm(largest)mm / W:460mm, 460mmmm ; 10.4kg. Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.