C. 618 - 907 AD. Chinese Tang Dynasty. A beautiful hollow-moulded terracotta horse, modelled in . a standing pose on a square base. The animal’s neck is stretching forward, with its ears pricked forward attentively. The muscles are rendered in great detail on the neck and hind quarters. The tail is depicted docked and bound in the traditional fashion. Decorated in a cream pigment the terracotta coloured saddle and saddle cloth are still vibrant. The horse's trappings, include an elaborate harness with dangling tassels and a bridle with matching tassels. The saddle blanket is also modelled with dangling tassels. 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. 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. Provenance: Private London collection of Asian Art; formerly in an old British collection. Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1990s. Size: L:710mm / W:740mm ; 16kg