Lot 1279. A rare painted grey pottery figure of an equestrian, Tang dynasty (618-907); 17 3/8 in. (44.1 cm.) high. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price realised USD 8,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2011

The horse standing foursquare with head raised and looking forward, with a clipped mane and docked tail, the rider and saddle modeled separately as one piece, the rider posed as if holding the reins, his face expressively modeled, with a thin white pigment over the gray clay, with traces of red, black and orange pigment.