A RARE LARGE AMBER-GLAZED FIGURE OF A HORSE HAN DYNASTY

powerfully modelled standing four-square, the vigorously sculpted head with large alert eyes, flaring nostrils and pricked ears, covered overall in a rich warm amber glaze save for the hooves, forelock and tail, the muscular back adorned with a large detachable unglazed saddle

Sotheby's London, 13th June 2003, lot 305.

 

This rare glazed horse has restoration to breaks at the legs, across the rear quarter, neck and base of the ears not uncharacteristic for such a large archaeological piece. It should be noted that the glaze is of a slightly more golden-brown tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compare a slightly larger green-glazed horse of this type, from the Jingguantang Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 20^th March 1997, lot 51; and another slightly smaller example sold at Christie's New York, 22^nd March 2007, lot 249. Horses of this impressive size, most often unglazed, have been excavated in Sichuan province. Compare an unglazed horse of this large size, unearthed in Pengshan County and currently in the Nanjing Museum, illustrated in The Great Treasury of Chinese Fine Arts. Sculpture 2: Sculpture of the Qin and Han Dynasties, Beijing, 1988, pl. 128. Another large unglazed horse of this type was sold in these rooms, 10^th June 1997, lot 4.

The dating of this lot is consistent with the results of an Oxford thermoluminescence test, C298c37.