AN IMPRESSIVE STRAW AND AMBER-GLAZED POTTERY FIGURE OF HORSETANG DYNASTY OF HENNAN GONGXIAN TYPEL:18.5cm,W:6.8cm,H:18.8cmOf Henan Gongxian type, the horse standing four square on a rectangular plinth, the head slightly turned and the proud face naturalistically depicted with large eyes, flared nostrils and pricked ears. Body is covered with a rich amber glaze.This horse exemplifies the thriving ceramic sculptural tradition of the Tang dynasty (618-907). It was during this period when equine sculpture reached a new artistic peak, when craftsmen were able to capture the confidence and vigour, both the spirit and individuality of the horse is meticulously portrayed. Together with the simplicity of the unadorned body, the physical appearance of the present figure exudes a sense of tamed power and strength.One of the 'Six Livestock' in ancient China, the horse was the embodiment of the highest honours as well as transferable markers of wealth. During the Tang dynasty, ownership of horse statues was asserted as an aristocratic privilege in an edict forbidding artisans and tradesmen this right.