A rare 'Yingqing' model of a horse and groom Song dynasty

naturalistically modelled, the groom standing to the side of his horse holding the bridle around the horses neck, wearing a short tunic over leggings with soft leather shoes, the face with stern features beneath a tied cap, the sturdy beast standing four-square with head raised and ears pricked, the saddle fitted with stirrups over a saddle-cloth, the tail  tied in a knot, the applied bridle and reins standing free of the body, all supported on a chamfered rectangular base and covered in a pale ivory-green glaze spotted with iron-brown on the base

The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Ulricehamn, Sweden.

This rare model has overapinting to the rear left leg and haunches of the horse and restoration to a break at the elbow and wrist of the groom, overpainting to front left side of the base and minor glaze firing imperfections.
"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."

The dating of this piece is consistent with the results of a thermoluminescence test, Oxford Authentication Ltd., no. P113H45.

For a very similar figure of a horse and groom, see one sold in these rooms 10th December 1985, lot 123; and a slightly smaller example sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 22nd November 1985, lot 317.