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HOME :
Chinese Art :
Archive : T'ang Polychrome Horse and Rider
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T'ang Polychrome Horse and Rider - H.946
Origin: China
Circa: 618
AD
to 906
AD
Dimensions:
11.75" (29.8cm) high
Collection: Chinese
Style: T'ang Dynasty
Medium: Painted Terracotta
Additional Information: SOLD
$7,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
During the T’ang Dynasty, horses were revered
creature, considered relatives of the mythical
dragon. This veneration was well earned, for the
speed and stamina of these majestic animals
ensured the protection of the northern borders
against barbarian invaders as well as enhancing
communication capabilities between far away
provinces, thereby aiding in the expansion of the
empire. The need to import horses from Central
Asia influenced the creation of the Silk Road.
Thus, they were also prized for their rarity.
Naturally then, horses became a status symbol
for the aristocratic elite. Polo and other
equestrian pastimes became popular. This
sculpture, depicting an old man, complete with
wrinkled features, riding on the back of a horse,
reveals this connection between nobility and the
horse. He wears a robe that still retains most of
its original orange pigment that once decorated
the work. We can imagine this distinguished old
man, perhaps a philosopher or poet, prancing
around on this horse, taking part in an important
ceremony. Discovered buried inside a tomb, this
work was supposed to accompany the deceased
throughout the afterlife. The striking beauty of
this work is even more impressive, considering
that it was created specifically for interment and
was not supposed to be seen by the living.
Today, we marvel in the beauty of this sculpture
as much as its tremendous history and intriguing
legacy.
- (H.946)
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