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A LARGE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A PRANCING ARABIAN HORSE, TANG DYNASTY
奥地利
2024年10月18日 开拍
拍品描述
A LARGE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A PRANCING ARABIAN HORSE, TANG DYNASTY

Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 19 April 2005, based on sample number C105k53, sets the firing date of the three samples taken at between 900 and 1500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.

Expert’s note: The Arabian horse has been introduced to China multiple times throughout history. According to legend, the Prophet Mohammed's companion Omar, along with his wife and a group of forty horsemen on Arabian horses, arrived in the Yili region of Xinjiang. Despite these introductions, depictions of Arabian horses during the Tang dynasty are rare. One distinctive feature of Arabian horses is their smaller, "dished" head. This trait, which has evolved over time, positions the eyes to have a broader field of vision—up to 160 degrees. In contrast, horses with a more prominent nasal bone structure have a narrower field of vision and may be more prone to spooking. Arabian horses not only have less protrusion between the eyes but also possess larger, slightly more protruding eyes relative to the size of their heads. This unique conformation likely played a crucial role in the survival and adaptability of the breed throughout its history.

China, 618-907. The spirited horse is depicted mid-stride with its right foreleg raised, its head finely modeled with an open mouth, flared nostrils, and expressive eyes beneath pricked ears. The arched neck features a recessed channel for a natural hair mane, and a cloth-covered saddle sits over a red blanket on its back.

Provenance: From a private collection, acquired in the US trade in 2005, and thence by descent in the family.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, minor losses, firing cracks, encrustations, minuscule drilled holes from sample-taking, old repairs and touchups as generally expected from Tang dynasty excavations. Displaying remarkably well.

Weight: 11 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 59.8 cm (excl. stand), 63 cm (incl. stand)

With an associated plexiglass stand. (2)

Pottery horses such as the present lot held deep significance, representing high social status and immense wealth. Proudly displayed in the tombs of elite, they served as a testament to the deceased's prominence and position within society. The Chinese firmly believed in the continuity between the earthly and afterlife realms, emphasizing the need for essential provisions during the journey beyond. Thus, by including these majestic horses in their final resting places, the departed were revered, honored, and equipped for their transcendental voyage.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 15 October 2021, lot 131
Price: EUR 16,432 or approx. EUR 20,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A painted pottery figure of a prancing horse, Tang dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and modeling with a similar pose, albeit lacking the saddle and the grooved channel for the mane. Note the related size (65 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 29 March 2006, lot 376
Price: USD 72,000 or approx. EUR 105,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A large painted gray pottery figure of a saddled horse, Tang dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and modeling with similar expression and saddled back. Note the different size (77 cm).

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价格信息

拍品估价:2,000 - 4,000 欧元 起拍价格:2,000 欧元  买家佣金:

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