Object Description
An extremely fine Chinese terracotta hunter sat upon a hollow-moulded horse, dating to the Tang Dynasty. The horse is depicted standing, with legs straight, on an integral square base. Attention has been made to the curvature of the horse’s form and the muscular anatomy. The facial features have been modelled in a naturalistic manner, featuring pricked ears, an open mouth and prominent eyes painted in black pigment. The horse is ornately decorated with red embellishments attached to the bridle, crest and loins. The black saddle sits upon a turquoise cover, decorated with black swirls. Black pigment outlines the harness and bridles. The Hunter, with an aggressive expression, is perched on top of the saddle with both arms raised and hands curled into fists. He is wearing traditional floral hunting clothes and tall black boots. Perched on the saddle in front of the mounted rider is a large dog, used to assist the hunt. His ears are pricked and the dog is alert as he peers over his shoulder.
Date: Circa 618-906 AD