East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, 1368 to 1644 CE. A very fine ceramic Mongolian horse, depicted standing upon a curvaceous plinth, with a substantial saddle on its back, well-delineated reins, a long mane and tail, and a proud visage. This realistic horse would have been placed in a tomb, and is a reminder of the Ming court's trading relationship with the Mongols. Mongol missions to the court often presented the emperor with horses and other animals in exchange for silk and other textiles, silver, and paper money. The Mongols even established horse markets within China, one at Kaiping and one at Kuangning, in the early 15th century. These strong steeds in turn empowered the Chinese economy. Size: 9" W x 9.375" H (22.9 cm x 23.8 cm)
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Brown and Kobashi collection, Hawaii, USA acquired in Hong Kong in 1989 from Chow Su San Antiques Co. LTD
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#157434
Condition
Repaired from multiple pieces along platform, the horse's four legs, tail, body, neck, and head, with restoration over the break lines, and resurfacing along new material and break lines. Expected surface wear with pigment loss, abrasions, and chips/nicks along periphery of base, break lines, and high pointed areas. Nice remains of detailing and earthen deposits throughout.