Antiques M.S. Rau | Pair Of Tang Dynasty Horses

This Pair Of Rare Earthenware Horses Hails From The Powerful Tang Dynasty Of China. The Dynasty Reigned For Nearly 300 Years Between The 7Th And 10Th Centuries Ce, And Oversaw A Cultural And Artistic “Golden Age” In Chinese Civilization. Remnants Of Paints And Other Pigments Remain Visible Along The Horses’ Flanks And Legs, Indicating The Sculptures Were Once Sumptuously Colored And Glazed. The Stoic Equines Each Take A Bold Striding Stance, Forming A Perfect Pair.

Horses Held A Special Significance In Tang China, In Part Due To A Particular Affection Of The Second Tang Ruler, Emperor Taizong. He Was Deeply Devoted To His Beloved Horse “Autumn Dew,” Who He Credited With Saving His Life During A Pivotal Battle To Unify China Under The Emperor’S Reign. Horses’ Continued Importance In Tang Expansion And Military Might Made The Animal A Strong Symbol Of Imperial Power And Wealth.

Tang Dynasty Funerary Sculpture, Known As Mingqi, Reflect A Harmonious Blend Of Han Chinese Traditions And External Cultural Influences Arriving To China Through The Silk Road. More Than A Facilitator Of Global Commercial Transactions, The Silk Road Served As A Network For Cultural Exchange Between East Asia, Central Asia, The Middle East And Beyond. Along Its Routes, Travelers And Merchants From Disparate Cultures Encountered One Another, Fostering The Exchange Of Ideas, Philosophies, Art Forms And Scientific Knowledge. Mingqi Such As These, Which Highlight Animals That Facilitated Travel And Trade, Were Intended To Accompany And Serve The Deceased In The Afterlife, And Frequently Depict Guardian Figures And The Pack Animals That Were Essential In The Ever-Expanding World.

Circa 7Th-10Th Century Ce

22 1/2“ High X 21 1/4” Wide X 6“ Deep Each