Lot 35. A massive green-glazed pottery horse, Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD); 52 in. (132 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 60,000 - GBP 100,000 (USD 83,700 - USD 139,500). Price realised GBP 68,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018.

The equine is of impressive proportions, and is modelled standing foursquare with its tail lifted in an elegant curve. The well-built body is supported on sturdy legs and the thick neck curves to support a well-defined head with bulging eyes, flared nostrils, ears pricked up, and the mouth open to reveal strong teeth. It wears a bridle set with circular bosses, and is covered with a green glaze with iridescent patches as well as traces of red pigment. 

Property from a private English collection. 

Provenance: With W.T. King & Co. Ltd, Hong Kong, 15 December 1992.
Private English Collection.

Note: Green-glazed pottery horses of this dimension are very rare, and of the select few that have come up for auction, a very similar example was sold from the Jingguantang Collection at Christie's New York, 20 March 1997, lot 51.

In comparison, painted pottery examples are more common and have been found in Sichuan region cliff burials and published in Kaogu xuebao, 1958, p. 100, and in the Wenwu zilao congkan, no. 9, 1985, pl. VI:5. Sold examples include at Christie's New York, 4 June 1992, lot 208, and one with an inscription at Christie's New York, 3 June 1993, lot 159.

The result of Oxford Authentication Thermoluminescence Test number C117p19 is consistent with the dating of this lot.