Tang Dynasty Lady Equestrian

A finely-sculpted Tang Dynasty hollow figurine in pale orange terracotta, depicting a horse with a lady rider. The horse stands on a rectangular base in an alert pose with ears pricked, its mouth open showing the teeth. The tail is shown docked and bound. The rider is an elegant female, dressed in a low-cut tunic which reaches part way down her thighs, with long flowing sleeves that conceal the hands, a wide strap high around the waist. Her hair is finely coiffured with a topknot. The original rich orangey-red pigments are still visible, and the details of her lips, eyes, and eyebrows have been picked out in red and black.