Ca. 618 - 907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. An elegant hollow-moulded terracotta horse. This horse is modelled in a stretched pose, captured mid-action as it bites at its hind leg. The horse’s anatomy is rendered in great detail, especially in regards to the tendons of raised hind leg. The tail is depicted docked and bound in the traditional fashion. The creme- coloured pigment of the horse is still vibrant, as are the oranges and reds used to pick out the horses mane and tack. The horse's trappings, include elaborate harness with dangling tassels, a bridle wth matching tassels as well as a saddle blanket and saddle. The saddle blanket is modelled with crosshatching to imitate quilting while the saddle is highly decorated with the uppermost layer modelled to represent an orange cloth cover, whilst the under panel showcases a striped motif. Horses were an important status symbol during the Tang ‘golden age’. They were the rewards of victorious military campaigns which lead to imperial stability and wealth. Indeed, the Tang emperors often described their favourite horses in detail commenting on their colouration, conformation and temperament. 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. Excellent condition. Size: L:490mm / W:530mm ; 12.95kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.