Tang Foreign Horse Rider

Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Earthenware
China
H:37cm x W:33cm

The horse standing foursquare on a rectangular base with its head lowered, the well-modeled body with carefully incised details of its mane falling to one side and it’s tail bound supports a male rider astride a saddle, dressed in a green robe, the hands raised as if to tug on the reins.

Equestrian figures of this form were most likely part of a hunting group. Figures of this type were popular during the Tang Dynasty and were an essential part of all tomb retinues. Horses were a symbol of power and authority limited to only the wealthy by an edict.

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