Ancient Chinese

Terracotta Horse Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) An important Chinese terracotta sculpture depicting a standing horse, captured with great expressive power and remarkable monumentality. The piece stands out for its elegant, upright neck, the vigorous modeling of the body, and the animated head with its open mouth—features that give it a highly decorative sculptural presence and a powerful visual impact. Due to its exceptional dimensions and imposing silhouette, it is a particularly attractive example within the realm of Chinese funerary sculpture attributed to the Han Dynasty. The surface retains an archaeological patina consistent with its claimed age, with visible wear, erosion, and alterations characteristic of the passage of time, which reinforce its historical significance. The piece is accompanied by a thermoluminescence test issued in 1996, which describes it as a “painted pottery horse” and indicates an approximate age of 1910 years. The test concludes that the result is consistent with the claimed age, Han Dynasty. An invoice from Marco Polo Fine Oriental Antiques & Works of Art (Hong Kong), dated September 3, 2006, is also included, providing additional documentary evidence of provenance. Dimensions: 152.4 x 126.1 x 39 cm (approx.) Condition: Wear, abrasions, surface losses, erosion, and general patina consistent with the nature of the material and the age of the piece. Direct examination is recommended for a thorough assessment of its condition and any previous restorations or stabilization work. Documentation: * Thermoluminescence test, April 23, 1996. * Purchase invoice from Marco Polo Fine Oriental Antiques & Works of Art, Hong Kong, September 3, 2006.

Estimate:£30,461.76

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