A robustly modelled pottery Tang Dynasty Ferghana horse, which stands foursquare on a rectangular base, with head lowered slightly to the left. The face is well formed, with pricked ears, open mouth and expressive eyes beneath prominent brows. The neck is strongly arched, with a grooved ridge for the insertion of actual horsehair. The horse carries a clearly defined saddle, with saddle blanket below, and the tail is docked and bound. Added painted decoration to the head and body enhance the detail. Representing the prestigious Ferghana horses, the figure reflects the wealth and high social status of the deceased.
 
The figure is accompanied by a certificate of thermoluminescence (TL) report by Oxford Authentications dated 2013 which confirms the firing to have been carried out between 900 and 1500 years ago.
 
Tang Dynasty: Circa 850 AD.
 
Very Fine Condition; complete and intact, no repairs or restoration.
Height 30 cms (11.8 ins)
Length 34.3 cms (13.5 ins)
 
Provenance: Ex Netherlands art gallery specialising in Chinese antiquities.