-, Low fired pottery

Height: 60.5 cm | Width: 58 cm

The horse standing on three legs, the right front leg raised, the head turned to the left. The saddle has a folded cover and is mounted on a saddle cloth. The latter painted with geometrical pattern. Remains of original bright orange, black and green pigment. The horse shows character, it’s mouth open, expression of muscles and movement executed in low fired pottery.
Records indicate, that dancing horses had been specially trained since the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). During the later Tang dynasty (618-907), a special troupe of one hundred horses was trained to perform for the amusement of Emperor Xuanzong (712-756). The horses performed to specially composed music and lyrics known as the Song of the Upturned Cup. The account of their performance, offers an insight into the high regard in which horses were held by the Tang court.

Provenance:
- Private Collection, Bussum The Netherlands 2021
- Purchased from Vanderven & Vanderven 2007

TL Test:
TL Tested by Oxford Authentication, Ltd, no. C107h96 in 2007

Published:
PAN Amsterdam Fair catalogue 2007, page 251