Ca. 618-907 AD 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 right 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 a depicted as a plump, older man with a raised fist, who wears a knee-high boots, tight trousers and open-chested vest; he sports a neat beard and moustache, carefully picked out in black. The Bactrian camel 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. 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. For a similar see Sotheby's, Important Chinese Art, 15 September 2015, New York, Lot 258. A similar item, albeit with a younger rider, recently sold at Christie’s for HKD 6,100,000, see https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-finely-painted-pottery-figure-of-a-6113490-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6113490 Size: L:730mm / W:530mm ; 15.1kg Provenance: From the private collection of a Somerset gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed before 2000 on the UK /European art markets.