Chinese Han Dynasty Type Painted Terracotta Horse Head, Mingqi Tomb Figure
£600.00
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A powerful and evocative Chinese painted terracotta horse head, most probably from a funerary mingqi tomb figure, stylistically corresponding to the Han Dynasty type, 206 BC-220 AD. The piece has a wonderful archaic character, with a long expressive horse's head, arched neck, raised eyes, projecting muzzle, modelled nostrils and open mouth.
The material is low-fired earthenware, with a porous terracotta body visible within the hollow interior. The structure appears to be mould-formed and then finished by hand, especially around the eyes, nostrils, mouth and central ridge of the face. The open base, rough inner surface, uneven wall thickness and granular clay texture are all important structural features. The exterior preserves traces of red, ochre and dark mineral pigment, creating a beautiful excavated surface with strong visual depth.
Objects of this type were made as mingqi, or spirit goods, and placed in Chinese tombs to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Horses were among the most prestigious animals of ancient China, associated with rank, military strength, travel and wealth. Even as a fragment, this head has great presence and historical atmosphere.
On the basis of the ceramic composition, low-fired terracotta body, hollow moulded construction, hand-finished details, surviving mineral pigments, form and comparison with Han painted terracotta horse heads, it is reasonable to describe the piece as a Chinese painted terracotta horse head from a mingqi tomb figure, Han Dynasty type, 206 BC-220 AD; final confirmation of age can only be provided by a TL test.
Measurements
Height: 19 cm (7.48″)
Width: 20 cm (7.87″)
Depth: 7 cm (2.76″)
Weight: 1127 g
Condition
A rare and visually attractive archaeological fragment. The ears are lost or reduced, the lower edge is irregular, and the painted surface is worn, with surviving pigment and natural surface variation. UV examination shows no visible joins or repairs.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.
Chinese Han Dynasty Type Painted Terracotta Horse Head, Mingqi Tomb Figure
£600.00
The material is low-fired earthenware, with a porous terracotta body visible within the hollow interior. The structure appears to be mould-formed and then finished by hand, especially around the eyes, nostrils, mouth and central ridge of the face. The open base, rough inner surface, uneven wall thickness and granular clay texture are all important structural features. The exterior preserves traces of red, ochre and dark mineral pigment, creating a beautiful excavated surface with strong visual depth.
Objects of this type were made as mingqi, or spirit goods, and placed in Chinese tombs to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Horses were among the most prestigious animals of ancient China, associated with rank, military strength, travel and wealth. Even as a fragment, this head has great presence and historical atmosphere.
On the basis of the ceramic composition, low-fired terracotta body, hollow moulded construction, hand-finished details, surviving mineral pigments, form and comparison with Han painted terracotta horse heads, it is reasonable to describe the piece as a Chinese painted terracotta horse head from a mingqi tomb figure, Han Dynasty type, 206 BC-220 AD; final confirmation of age can only be provided by a TL test.
Measurements
Height: 19 cm (7.48″)
Width: 20 cm (7.87″)
Depth: 7 cm (2.76″)
Weight: 1127 g
Condition
A rare and visually attractive archaeological fragment. The ears are lost or reduced, the lower edge is irregular, and the painted surface is worn, with surviving pigment and natural surface variation. UV examination shows no visible joins or repairs.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.