Ca. 618-907 ADA large and beautiful hollow-moulded terracotta horse, modelled in a free-standing pose with its right foreleg raised. The animal's neck is slightly turned to the left, with its ears pricked forward attentively. The muscles are rendered in great detail on the neck and hind quarters. The tail is 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 detail commenting on their colouration, conformation and temperament. The Tang emperors often described their favourite horses in detail commenting 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 accompany this lot.Size: L:640mm / W:670mm ; 16.75kgProvenance: East Anglian private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.