A fine and intricate set of solid gold saddle fittings from the Tang Dynasty (c. 700 A.D.), with fine repousse floral and circumlinear designs throughout.

These are of the type that have been found only, to our knowledge, in the northwest of China, Quinghai province in particular. There are influences that are both Tibetan and Sogdian in origin, as both cultures were dominant in this area during this period. These artifacts were originally made for royalty. It didn't behoove a lesser mortal to outshine his superiors in any physical manner; the punishments, if seen, could be extreme.

Item# 5180

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)

Medium: Gold

Subject: Saddle Fittings

Size: Largest Piece 25 “ W

Framed Decorative Saddle Blanket

Among the many equestrian ornamental accouterments in ancient Eurasia was a decorative blanket or cloth that covered the saddle. Tang Dynasty pottery horse statues often depict these cloths hanging in sweeping folds down the sides of the animal. There are almost no other known examples in existence, this particular piece required half a year of restorative work. Lavishly embroidered with pearl rondelles and crescent-moon motifs, the imagery is associated with both Islamic and pre-Islamic cultures, particularly the Sassanid Empire, which once encompassed modern-day Iran. Radiocarbon analysis of the saddle cloth confirmed the age to be between 560 and 660 CE, during the height of the Sassanian Empire. Its creation coincides with the life of the prophet Muhammad (ca. 570-632), upon whose teachings the Islamic faith is based.

#3220

Date: 6th – 7th century CE

Medium: Textile

Subject: Saddle Blanket

Size: 53 ½” W x 73 ½” H

Radiocarbon analysis

A unique and charming pair of Chinese lead sculptures of recumbent, pregnant mares

The horse, being the brother of the dragon, possessed talismanic powers and was revered and glorified for various reasons.  This distinctive pair was probably fashioned to ensure the continuation of horses in the afterlife.  However, the concept of the recumbent pregnant mare sculpture, as well as the medium used, appears to have been unique to a specific individual’s request.

Item: 1642

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 700 CE)

Medium:  Lead

Subject:  Horses

Size:  13 ½” – 14” L

Metallurgical Mineralogical, Microscopic, and Metallographic examinations, with XRD analysis, available

A pair of extensively painted Chinese terracotta caparisoned horses of exceptional size

Sui Dynasty horses are most often 18” or less in height.  Pairs of right and left walking horses are virtually never associated with the Sui period.  This beautiful, all-original pair with all-original coloring, as well as fine detailing in the features, such as the mane and face, makes these one of the most sought-after pairs of terracotta sculptures of this style.

Item# 27 a & b

Date: Sui Dynasty/Tang Dynasty (c. 620 CE)

Medium: Painted pottery

Subject: Horse

Size: 21” H

TL tested, Radiographic examination

Very Rare Extensively painted Chinese musician equestrians with a “playful” nature

The horse’s back would have been draped with what was probably silk, adorned with leather and metal.  From the Xian area of Shaanxi.

Item# 27 a & b

Date: 16 Kingdoms Period (304-439 CE)

Medium: Painted pottery

Subject: Horse and Equestrian

Size: 14” H

TL tested, Radiographic examination

Horses Priced Individually

Rare pair of carved wood horses, each with a separate stylized angular head and separate legs

This pair of statues, from Hubei Province, offers many desirable features, including one horse with an open mouth and the other with a rare, separate rider.  These statues have undergone approximately six years of conservation treatment to stabilize the wood.

Item# 42 a&b

Date: Early Western Han (c. 200 BCE)

Medium: Wood

Subject: Horse and Equestrian

Size:18” H x 17” L

C-14 Report Available, Professional Conservation Completed

Horses Priced Individually

A rare painted pottery horse

This horse is very well-proportioned and in excellent condition. Featuring original pigments, it has the desirable characteristics of the turned head and open mouth.

Item# 493

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)

Medium: Painted pottery

Subject: Equestrian

Size: 17” H

A stately sculpture of a “foursquare” standing horse

Unusually large, excellently proportioned, and in very fine condition. Featuring key Tang Dynasty elements such as the alert ears and strong stance.

Item #1065

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)

Medium: Painted Pottery

Subject: Horse

Size: 25 ¾” H

TL tested

Radiographic Study

A rare and beautiful set of complementary Chinese tinned bronze bridle fittings used on chariot horses

The silvery-white surface is tin, applied over a bronze core. Both harness and chariot fittings were often plated with tin, producing an attractive and relatively corrosion-resistant object. In addition, traces of red pigment are still evident on some of the fittings. Bold and striking designs are used on each piece of the set.

#22

Date: Warring States Period/Han Dynasty (c. 3rd century BCE)

Medium: Bronze

Subject: Tinned-bronze fittings

Size: Framed 23 ¾” x 17 ¼”

Metallographic and mineralogical report