A terracotta group of a horse and a groom painted in cold pigments
低溫彩赤陶牽馬俑一組

Tang dynasty, 8th century, China
唐 8世紀 中國

Height groom: 21.5 cm, 8.5 inches - Height horse: 24 cm, 9.4 inches
馬夫高21.5釐米 - 馬高24釐米

A two-piece group depicting a groom and his horse, the former with his hands held before his chest as if handling the reins, dressed in a long coat and boots, his hair gathered into two buns. The horse dramatically portrayed stooping down and chewing his extended front right leg, both figures placed on shaped flat base. The unglazed terracotta painted with cold pigments.

Authentication

Oxford TL tests confirm this date.