Ca. 618 - 907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. An elegant hollow-moulded terracotta horse. This horse is modelled in a standing pose on a square base. The animal’s neck is stretching forward, with its ears pricked forward attentively. The horse’s musculature is rendered in great detail on the neck and hind quarters The tail is depicted docked and bound in the traditional fashion. The chestnut- coloured pigment is still vibrant. The horse's trappings, include elaborate harness with dangling tassels, a bridle wth matching tassels as well as a saddle blanket and saddle. The saddle blanket is modelled with crosshatching to imitate quilting while the saddle is highly decorated with the uppermost layer modelled to represent a green cloth cover, whilst the under panel showcases a delicate floral motif. Horses were an important status symbol during the Tang ‘golden age’. They were the rewards of victorious military campaigns which lead to imperial stability and wealth. Indeed, the Tang emperors often described their favourite horses in detail commenting on their colouration, conformation and temperament. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:700mm / W:720mm ; 17.2kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.