Antique Fine Porcelain Tang Horses Chinese Burial Pieces cobalt blue trinkets figurines collectibles

$65.00

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Description

This is a set of 3 fine porcelain tang horses. They are miniatures pieces and back in the day would have been burial piece. These piece were first developed in the Tang period (607-960). These pieces are about late 1800’s to turn of the century as near as I can tell. I have added some interesting information as I like the history that goes with some of the pieces I list. These pieces are cobalt blue and very fine quality. The standing horse is 2" tall and 2 1/2" across, the standing horse with his head down is 1 7/8" tall and 2 1/2" across. The sitting horse is 2 3/4" across and 1 7/8" tall. Very nice quality pieces and great coloring.

Tang Tomb Figures

Tang funerary vessels often contained figures of merchants. warriors, grooms, musicians and dancers. There are some works that have Hellenistic influences that came via Bactria in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Some Buddhas of immense size were produced. Tang dynasty figures are known for their provocative poses. Those that were painted are known for their soft colors and patterns.

According to the McClung Museum: “With a history reaching back to before the third century B.C., tomb figures and furnishings were an important aspect of the Chinese culture. They also constituted a sizable amount of the ceramics produced during the Tang dynasty. Even in death, members of the wealthy, cosmopolitan Tang society sought to surround themselves with replicas of the splendid riches they had enjoyed during life. These objects were buried in tombs to provide for the needs of the deceased in the afterlife. [Source: “Reflections of a Golden Age: Chinese Tang Pottery," McClung Museum, December 13, 1997 |::|]

“Preparations for the tomb, which usually began well in advance of death, included the purchase of literally hundreds of pottery ming qi, or “articles of the spirit," such as figures of servants, musicians, and professional attendants; models of domestic and foreign animals; guardian spirits; and vessels from everyday life. The tomb furnishings that have survived are important social and cultural documents of the history of life during the Tang period. |::|

Tang Horses

rightTang horses are among the most famous works of Chinese art. Made from ceramic, some are glazed in blue, green amber and have elaborate saddle blankets and tasseled bridles. Other are made of unglazed ceramic and thereby look more modern like a Rodin statute. The horses are often in frantic positions: with their heads raises and nostrils flared, or twisting around to get at something on their backs. Many had a grooved channel running the length of the arched neck, where a real horsehair mane was placed, and had a hole in their rear for a horsehair tail. Most are only around 40 centimeters tall.

Chinese art specialist J.J. Lally told the New York Times, "Tang horses are the most widely popular image of Chinese art because they are immediately accessible to everyone. You don’t have to read the Tang dynasty was a moment in Chinese art when there was a strong move toward realism and strong decorative impulse. Horses imported from the Near East were precious. In Tang China, the horse was the emblem of wealth and power. They are meant to embody rank and speed."

The Chinese used horses as far back as the Shang dynasty (1600 to 1100 B.C.) but these were mainly strong, draft animals. Later they began importing horses from Central Asia and Middle East. By the Tang dynasty horses were favorite subjects of not only artists but also poets and composers. The inspiration for the many of Tang horses were Tall horses, the heavenly horses from Central Asia introduced to China in the first century B.C. Some were figures were discovered in Astana tombs by Sir Aurel Stein during his third exploration of Central Asia in 1913-16. Astana is near the site of the Tang-era city Gaochang, an administrative center controlling the empire’s western-most territories.

Additional information

Weight 16 oz
Dimensions 6 × 6 × 6 in
Materials