CAPITAL SICHUAN POTTERY HORSE. CERAMIC.
China. Han Dynasty. 206 BC - 220 AD.

Ceramic with painting. Powerfully modelled ceramic horse in a walking position the head proudly poised with strong neck; open mouth; large bulging eyes; flared nostrils and pricked ears. The tall slender legs supporting the massive body; the cropped tail ending in a knot. Heihgt 105cm. Condition B/C. Typical restorations.

The Thermoluminescence test from ASA; Francine Maurer with no. 10.16.27 - TL 205.134 dated May 26; 2000 confirms the dating.

Literature:
-Los Angeles County Museum (ed.): The Quest for Eternity; Los Angeles Museum 1987. Cp. type no. 11.
-Kaogu Xuebao: Excavation of ancient tombs and Han wells at Banqiao in Biyang; Henan;
1958. Cp. type no. 100.

This type of large; strong horses were found in the Han graves of the Sichuan Province. To repel the Xiongnu warriors the Han emperor Wudi had the so-called heavenly horses (tianma) imported from the Ferghana Valley in Central Asia.Art trade; Van Ham.