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Lot 153A: Tang Pottery Horse & Female Rider - ex Christie's

Est: $3,000 USD - $6,000 USDPassed
Artemis GalleryLouisville, CO, USOctober 31, 2019

Item Overview

Description

East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A painted terracotta horse and rider, the equestrian figure a female dressed in an elegant headdress and clothing and holding her arms up as if pulling on reins, the pair upon a rectangular base. The horse is standing upon all four hooves implying the rider has brought her noble steed to a halt; however, the horse's head is turned to one side, suggesting animated motion. The pair are glazed with white slip and contrasting red and black details. A special example from the Tang Dynasty displaying exceptional artistry and technique as well as offering layers of iconographical meaning (for more on this, see extended description below). Size: 9.875" L x 3.875" W x 13.375" H (25.1 cm x 9.8 cm x 34 cm)

During the Tang Dynasty, the horse served as both a symbol of imperial stability that engendered bountiful trade and prosperity for the expanding empire and the reward of military exploits to the West. The most cherished horses were raised in the western kingdom of Ferghana and known as "blood-sweating horses". These were delivered as tribute to the reigning emperor. In general, for the ancient Chinese, horses were a sign of wealth.

The female figure demonstrates the hallmarks of the Tang Dynasty style, with her naturalistically rendered, softly contoured round face embellished by meticulously detailed features, her flowing robe with sleeves cascading over her form, as well as her dramatic updo adorned by an elaborate headdress. Being slender, this lady is likely an early Tang female figure; by the mid 8th century CE more voluptuous bodies with full faces and hairstyles described as cloudlike by experts in the field were in favor. Scholars have attributed this shift to Emperor Xuanzong's infatuation with a rather full-figured concubine, the legendary beauty named Yang Guifei. This said, female figures of this body type have been discovered from eras previous to Xuanzong; hence, this embrace of the full figure may simply reflect a change in ideal body types. (For further reading, see Fontein, Jan, Tung Wu, and Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 1973. Unearthing China's Past, p. 175.)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired in the early 2000s from Griffin Gallery, Boca Raton, Florida, USA; ex-Christie's, London (sale 9438, July 18, 2002, part of lot 572)

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#150240

Artist or Maker

Condition Report

Horse's tail reattached and legs likely repaired, though the repairs are difficult to see. Rider's head probably reattached, though this is difficult to see as well. Minute nicks to horse's ears, rider's headdress, and other high-pointed areas. Normal surface wear with some pigment fading, but much remains - even the very fine details on this lady's face.

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Auction Details

Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic Art

by
Artemis Gallery
October 31, 2019, 08:00 AM MST

686 S. Taylor Ave., #108, Louisville, CO, 80027, US

Terms

Buyer's Premium

24.5%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$299$25
$300$999$50
$1,000$1,999$100
$2,000$4,999$250
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$19,999$1,000
$20,000$49,999$2,500
$50,000$99,999$5,000
$100,000$199,999$10,000
$200,000+$20,000

Antiquities, Pre-Columbian & Tribal Art

Please read the following "Terms of Sale" carefully. These terms are applicable to all bidders in this auction, collectors and dealers alike.

1. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

2. By bidding in this auction, the bidder personally guarantees payment. The auctioneer has final discretion in all matters. In case of dispute, the lot(s) in question may be resold. Lots will be sold in their numerical sequence unless the auctioneer directs otherwise.

3. HIGH and LOW ESTIMATES are provided for each lot for reference only. All lots will be offered without any hidden / confidential reserve, meaning the highest bidder wins.

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In the event of an error in item description, condition report, provenance, or dimensions, written notification of the error must be given within two business days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data. A full refund, including item price, buyer's premium (if applicable), and shipping costs will be provided. Artemis Gallery will either provide a pre-paid return shipping label or will reimburse the return shipping charge. Artemis Gallery will only remit refund after the item has been returned.

If a return is requested for any reason other than the above, written notification with reason for return must be given within 15 days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data for Artemis Gallery to issue a refund to the original payment method. If notification is given after 15 days, the item may be returned for credit toward a future purchase or may be consigned for sale through Artemis Gallery. The item must be returned to Artemis Gallery at the buyer's expense and a refund or credit of the item price and buyer's premium (if applicable) will be provided after the item is returned. Original shipping charges will not be refunded.

All items to be returned must be adequately insured and must be received by Artemis Gallery in the same condition as when shipped. In no event may any item be returned after 90 days from the date of delivery.

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**For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. There are a small number of international countries we cannot ship to. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**

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13. QUESTIONS? Feel free to email us at info@artemisgallery.com with questions prior to bidding or feel free to call us at 720-890-7700. Please be sure to ask all questions at least 30 minutes prior to auction start time, as we will not be able to take calls or answer emails sent to us during the auction.

Shipping Terms

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense