Tang Dynasty, circa 618 -906 AD A breath-takingly beautiful, modelled horse depicted mid-stride, with head raised, mouth closed, flaring nostrils, and bulging eyes under heavy raised eyebrows, the ears prickled, rounded plume, the features finely detailed with forelocks swept behind towards a trimmed mane falling short of the saddle, well defined muscular legs, tail tied short, seated on a saddle by a well-modelled rider who is in the form of an archer, he wears traditional elaborate robes, holding a bow in his right hand which is by his side, above is quiver, held over his shoulders, his face in a pose of concentration, he wears a double bun topknot hairstyle, his companion or guardian, in the form of a dog, is seated behind him, laying on all four pours. 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. The Tang emperors often described their prized 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 by means of a Thermo Luminescence analysis carried out 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. The TL certificate with its full report will accompany this lot. Thermoluminescence test certificate: 49PR210621. Size: D: mm / US: 530 / UK: 400; 7.2kg. Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.