Ming Dynasty Antique Chinese Pottery Horse Tomb Figure Sculpture

Description

A scarce 600 year old (approx) Chinese pottery Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) large glazed earthenware míngqì tomb figure, modeled as horse … more A scarce 600 year old (approx) Chinese pottery Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) large glazed earthenware míngqì tomb figure, modeled as horse sculpture with saddle, stirrups, and integral base.

This hand-crafted Chinese earthenware horse is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Depicting the pleasures of daily life, míngqì figurines were offerings to one's spirit to ensure comfort and special treatment in the afterlife. Míngqì often take the shape of attendant servants, dancers, musicians, warriors, concubines, and livestock. Although míngqì have been constructed of wood and terracotta / clay earthenware pottery since as early as the Han dynasty, intact forms are quite rare, especially of this large size, making this horse burial figure an extraordinary find!

Dimensions: (approx)
15" Tall, 12" Wide, 5" Deep

A superb museum quality example, the horse statue is in excellent original antique condition, with beautifully aged warm patina, minor rubbing and small fissure to back of body, minimal wear commensurate with age, use, handling, and exposure.

Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, J. Garrett Auctioneers, Dallas, Texas. Turtle Creek & Dallas Estates catalog. Garrett was pleased to present the contents of a fine Turtle Creek estate, as well as selections from the collection of beloved Dallasite, Jane Akin Brasch. Property seized from JMJ Development, the Dallas development firm controlled by Tim Barton and set to become the first Mandarin Oriental hotel in Dallas will also be offered in this two-day auction. Highlights include period antiques, fine art, notable sculpture, sterling silver, fine jewelry and designer handbags less