Lot 1161. A painted pottery figure of a prancing horse, Tang dynasty (618-907); 14¾ in. (37.5 cm.) high, 16 in. (40.7 cm.) long. Estimate USD 10,000 - USD 15,000. Price realised USD 40,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The spirited horse is shown with left foreleg raised, head turned to the the right, mouth open and ears laid back. The long mane is swept to one side and the tail is dressed. The saddle is covered with a cloth gathered on the sides atop the mud guard, and the chest strap and crouper are hung with tassels. There are traces of black, dark red, pink and orangy red pigment.

Provenance: Hilda Cunningham Connor, Milton, Massachusetts.
The Springfield Museums, Springfield, Massachusetts, accessioned in 1938.

Oxford Authentication Thermoluminescence test no. C112k75 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 21 - 22 March 2013.