Ca. 618 - 907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. A painted pottery figure of a horse. The horse stands foursquare with its head drawn inwards, and its tail lowered. Its coat 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 animal is fitted with a carefully-modelled strap-and-boss bridle, a prominent breastgirth ornamented with bells, and a long, covered saddle. 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. Good condition.Size: L:775mm / W:520mm ; 8.05kg; 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.