Tang Dynasty Horse Appraisal

Tang Dynasty Style Ceramic Caparisoned Horse

This item is a terracotta or ceramic sculpture of a standing horse, crafted in the iconic style of Chinese Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) tomb figures. The sculpture is medium-sized and appears to be made of a dark, greyish clay body, possibly a low-fired earthenware. It features a robust, powerful muscular build with an arched neck, docked tail, and a rectangular base for stability. The horse is caparisoned with a detailed saddle and blanket, showing incised decorative scrollwork patterns on the saddlecloth. The color is predominantly a charcoal-grey with subtle buff-colored highlights and remnants of what may be white or pigmented 'slip' across the surface, giving it an aged, excavated aesthetic. Visible condition issues include significant surface weathering, minor chipping around the base and ears, and a heavy patina that suggests an attempt to replicate centuries of burial. The craftsmanship reflects traditional sculptural techniques with a focus on anatomical proportions typical of the period, such as the flared nostrils and alert expression. While it mimics the Tang era, the lack of specific burial minerals and the sharpness of certain incisions may suggest a high-quality 20th-century revival piece or archaeological replica rather than an ancient original. There are no visible maker's marks or modern stamps in the provided image.