A painted red pottery figure of a prancing horse - Tang Dynasty

The elegant horse well modelled striding forward on muscular legs with the right foreleg raised, the head held high and to the left, the mouth as if neighing, with flaring nostrils and black-painted bulging eyes under the heavy brows and pricked ears bent backwards, the deeply grooved mane sweeping down to the leather saddle fitted over a blanket draped over the flanks, traces of black and red pigments remaining over white slip, (cracks), fitted box.  61.6cm (24¼in) high. (2). Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000

Footnote: Provenance: the late Caroline Barkes.

Exhibited: The Oriental Museum, University of Durham, 1998-2007.

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Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 12 May 2008. New Bond Street