Object Description
A fine Chinese Han Dynasty, hollow moulded terracotta head of a horse, probably once part of a larger statuette modelled in sections. The animal is rendered naturalistically with an elegant profile accentuating the strong facial musculature, and most of the rouge-reddish slip remains. The prominent facial features, including the eyes, nostrils, mouth and pricked ears, are marked by additional black and bright red pigments. Further white pigment outlines the bridles. Drilled perforation to the mouth, though it is now blocked, suggests the presence of a separately made bridle bit, which is now unfortunately missing. The piece has been mounted on a custom-made stand.
Date: Circa 202 BC – AD 220
Period: Han Dynasty