Early Tang Painted Pottery Horse with Detachable Saddle

Circa	618 AD to 907 AD
Dimensions	15.3″ (38.9cm) high x 13.7″ (34.8cm) wide
Medium	Terracotta
Origin	Shanxi Province

This charming sculpture of a horse still retains much of its original white pigment intact. The orange painted saddle has been carefully incised to create a more realistic texture. Equally impressive is the fact that the saddle has been separately crafted; it may once have supported a rider who is now lost to us. The animal’s large eyes and friendly countenance have been expertly captured by the sculptor. This gorgeous horse is a testament to the admiration and adoration the Chinese had for these marvelous creatures. Although they were an integral part in the expansion and defence of the empire, they were equally regarded for their beauty and grace as revealed by this sculpture