C. AD 618-907. Tang Dynasty. A large ceramic figurine of a Bactrian camel, also known as a Mongolian camel, with a rider. The beast features a sandy pelt, while its characteristic mane, beard and the air of its upper leg are picked out in a coral-red. It stands in a contrapposto pose, with its left leg foreleg forward, as if walking and its head is thrown back as if bellowing. Atop its back is a saddle-pad with carefully delineated details, including a lantern on the left-hand side. The rider is depicted with non-Asiatic features, wearing knee-high boots and a long sleeved green tunic. The foreigner is seated in a relaxed posture with his left arm raised to goad the camel, the other hand originally holding the reins. The Bactrian camel depicted with a foreign rider represents the link between Europe and Asia. It is an exceptionally hardy beast of burden, easily able to cope in the harsh deserts of Central Asia which border China. The domestication of these creatures allowed the development of the ancient Silk Road, which transported people, ideas and luxury goods between China and the West, by crossing the massive and inhospitable terrain which divided them. This beautiful figurine probably reflects medieval Chinese respect for a beast without which such trade would not have been possible. The Tang dynasty ruled most of China between AD 618 and 907, and this period is widely viewed as an era of progress and stability, during which many scientific and artistic advances were made. 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:700mm / W:560mm ; 16kg