Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art at Oxford University (the predecessor of Oxford Authentication) on 21 October 1993, based on sample number 666r16, sets the firing date of the sample taken at between 1600 and 2500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot.

China, 206 BC-220 AD. The horse standing foursquare on a rectangular base with its head turned slightly to one side, the stout body and bobbed tail evenly painted with dark pigments, contrasting with the white caparison on its back. Supporting a rider wearing a short tunic and a close-fitting helmet, his hands positioned to rein his spirited horse shown with its neck arched, and ears pricked.

Provenance: E & J Frankel, New York, 9 November 1998 (invoice not available). A private collection in southern Germany, acquired from the above. E & J Frankel was a major New York gallery specializing in Asian Art since 1967. Run by Edith (1939-2012) and Joel Frankel (1937-2018), it was one of the oldest galleries in the United States focusing exclusively on Asian art. Leaders in their field, the Frankels traveled the world in search of Asian art treasures and educated the general public about their shared passion. Their gallery on Madison Avenue in New York City became a local institution, best known for its regular schedule of innovative thematic exhibitions, and frequently visited by the biggest names in the field, such as Eskenazi, Ellsworth, Junkunc, and the Alsdorfs.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Expected wear, minor losses, firing cracks, encrustations, a small drilled hole from sample-taking, old repairs and touchups as generally expected from Tang dynasty excavations. Displaying remarkably well.

Weight: 1,931 g
Dimensions: Height 32.5 cm

Elaborate burials are a defining aspect of traditional Chinese culture and grave goods provide us extraordinary amounts of information about how the ancient Chinese lived. The horse-riding military, which began in the 3rd century BC, grew rapidly during the 2nd century BC, to meet the challenge of horse-riding peoples threatening China along the northern frontier. These large, powerful, horses were new to China. Traded for luxurious silk, they were the first major import to China from the newly established trade corridor to the Mediterranean world. Within a few years, the marvelous Arabian steeds had become immensely popular with military and aristocracy alike and upper-class tombs began to be filled with images of these great horses for use in the afterlife.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 6 December 2017, lot 61
Price: USD 6,250 or approx. EUR 7,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A painted grey pottery figure of an equestrian, Western Han dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of painting with similar stance and attire. Note the larger size (43 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s London, 3 September 2020, lot 77
Price: GBP 2,125 or approx. EUR 3,400 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A painted pottery horse and rider, Han dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of painting with similar stance, attire, and size (28 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 29 June 2023, lot 299
Price: EUR 3,120 or approx. EUR 3,200 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A pottery figure of an equestrian, Han dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of painting with similar stance, attire, and size (30 cm).