Circa 618-907 AD A naturalistically formed hollow-moulded terracotta horse, depicted with curvature of the stomach flowing to the muscular physique, modelled neck stretching downwards, towards front legs on a trapezoidal base, ears pricked forward attentively, mouth open-ajar, almond shaped nostrils, decorated with a white mane, brick red coloured body, white face, and terracotta coloured saddle, white bordered cloth stylised with a white flower, tail depicted docked and bound in the traditional fashion. 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 detailmenting on their colouration, conformation, and temperament. The Tang emperors often described their favourite horses in detailmenting on their colouration, conformation, and temperament. This piece has been precisely dated by means of a Thermo Luminescence analysis carried out 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. The TL certificate with its full report will apany this lot. Size: L:530mm / W:530mm; 16.25kg Provenance: East Anglian private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.