painted pottery prancing horse

Object nr. 110

Size: 55 cm x 70 cm

Condition: Good

TL-test: Oxford Authentication, 19 February 2001

High quality photos available on request

 This sculpture is a Tang Dynasty terracotta horse, a type of mingqi (spirit object) commonly included in elite burials during the Tang Dynasty (618–906 AD). Horses were highly valued in Tang society for their roles in transportation, military power, and aristocratic leisure, making them a frequent subject of funerary art. Such sculptures were placed in tombs to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, symbolizing status, strength, and mobility.

• Appearance: The horse is depicted in a dynamic pose, with one foreleg raised as if mid-step, exuding a sense of vitality and elegance. Its head is slightly bowed, and its mane and tail are carefully sculpted. A decorative saddle blanket with intricate patterns adorns its back, emphasizing its ceremonial function.
• Material and Finish: Crafted from terracotta, the sculpture retains subtle traces of pigment that hint at its original painted decoration. The attention to anatomical detail and posture reflects the Tang Dynasty's artistic sophistication and admiration for horses.

• Prevalence: Horse sculptures were among the most common mingqi found in Tang tombs, particularly those of nobles and military officials. They were often accompanied by other figures, such as riders, attendants, or mythical creatures.
• Purpose: These sculptures symbolized the deceased's wealth and social rank while ensuring they had access to horses for travel or ceremonial purposes in the afterlife. The dynamic pose of this horse suggests it was meant to convey energy and prestige.

This prancing horse figurine exemplifies the Tang Dynasty's artistic achievements and cultural values. Horses were central to Tang society as symbols of power, mobility, and aristocratic refinement. Such artifacts provide valuable insights into the aesthetics, spiritual beliefs, and societal ideals of one of China's most celebrated dynasties.