Object Description
A finely modelled Chinese Ming Dynasty horseman, holding the Chinese Sheng, a mouth-blown free reed instrument consisting of vertical pipes. This statuette was likely part of a larger group of a parade with soldiers and other musicians. He has been rendered in a naturalistic manner, with his eyes and eyebrows painted in black and his lips in red pigment. He is portrayed wearing a red conical hat with a brim, black boots, and the traditional Ming Dynasty court attire. This consists of a green cross-over robe, tied at the waist, with panels on either side and yellow trim. In his left hand, he holds a Sheng, rendered in yellow and green glaze, while his right arms is held in front. The horse is stood on all fours, facing forwards, with its legs planted firmly on a flat, rectangular base. There are remaining traces of beautiful green, yellow, and black sancai glaze on the horse seen across the saddle, blanket, bridle, and hooves. The eyes and eyebrows of the horse have also been detailed in red and black pigment. As is customary for larger Ming attendant statues, the figure’s head is detachable.
Date: Circa 1368–1644 AD
Period: Ming Dynasty