Terracotta Horse with Saddle, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907). Height: 78 cm. Length: 85 cm. Vanderven Oriental Art at Brafa Art Fair, Brussels, 21-29 january 2017.

In the days of the Tang dynasty, China was in competition with Tibet and Damascus for control of the Silk Road, especially in the Turkestan region. The Turkestans wanted to keep control over their own territory, and kept out foreign powers by offering important tributes such as horses. China placed great value on horses and set aside enormous tracts of pasture and large numbers of slaves to attend to them. 

Vanderven Oriental Art. Chinese early ceramics from the Han & Tang Periods, Ming & Qing porcelains & works of art including Jades, Bronzes, hardstones and wood. Japanese porcelains, 20th century lacquer & bronzes. Nachtegaalslaantje 1, 5211 LE s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.