Saddled horse, Tang dynasty, 650 - 750. Terracotta, h 46.0 cm × w 45.5 cm × d 14.5 cm. AK-MAK-65. On loan from the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1972. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. 

Saddled horse, Tang dynasty, 650 - 750. Terracotta, h 43.0 cm × w 39.0 cm × d 13 cm. AK-MAK-66. On loan from the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1972. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Camel with rider, Tang dynasty, 650 - 750. Terracotta, h 56.0 cm × w 35.0 cm × d 17.0 cm. AK-MAK-67. On loan from the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1972. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Camel with rider, Tang dynasty, 650 - 750. Terracotta, h 58.3 cm × w 34.0 cm × d 17.3 cm. AK-MAK-68. On loan from the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1972. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Horse rider, Tang dynasty, 650 - 750. Terracotta, h 49.8cm × w 45.5cm × d 18.5cm. AK-MAK-69. On loan from the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1972. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Horse rider, Tang dynasty, 650 - 750. Terracotta, h 47.0 cm × w 35.0 cm. AK-MAK-70. On loan from the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1972. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

These figures were once painted and equipped with reins and bridles of wood and fabric or leather. They were placed in tombs, to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. From the riders’ headgear and faces, it is evident that they originated in western Asia rather than China. Their presence in the tomb of a highranking member of Chinese society reflects flourishing international contacts in the period.