Lot 8039. A Painted Pottery Figure Of A Horse And Rider With Hound, Tang Dynasty (608-907); 14in (35.5cm) high. Estimate US$ 8,000 - 12,000 (€ 6,500 - 9,700) © Bonhams 2001-2018

The horse standing four square on a rectangular base with head turned left, the sinewy body and bobbed tail evenly painted with carmine pigments setting off the black- painted saddle supporting a foreign rider holding a lively dog straining against the black-painted hogged mane. 

Property from the Collection of Sally S. and Decatur H. Miller III.

Provenance: J.J Lally & Co., New York, November 2004

Note: The distinctive snout on this dog almost certainly identifies it as a Saluki (Shanxi Xigou 陝西細狗), a sight hunter prized for its speed and ability to catch rabbits. The Saluki came to China from Central Asia along the silk road at least as early as the 7th century as they appear on a tomb mural of the Tang prince Zhuanghuai in 685. Here the Saluki's companion is also likely an immigrant from the West, given his Phrygian cap. The Tang aristocracy had an interest in the hunting styles of nomadic peoples from Central Asia, and they would often gather to witness staged hunts.

Bonhams. CHINESE WORKS OF ART AND PAINTINGS, 19 Mar 2018, 12:00 EDT, NEW YORK