Tang Dynasty Musicians on Horsebacks

An extremely fine selection of Chinese Tang Dynasty moulded terracotta figurines of court musicians, each shown horseback, in a different stance while playing musical instruments, such as flutes, guitars and cymbals. The musicians are portrayed wearing the traditional Tang Dynasty court garments and hairstyle, while riding different coloured horses. The different colours of horses appear to have been of particular importance to the Tang emperors, whose favourite horses are described by their colouration. Each horse has been modelled in a naturalistic manner, with details of the anatomical features, harness and saddle emphasised in pigments. The figures of the riders and horses have been created using different moulds for the limbs, heads, and bodies. Such parts would have then been combined together after-firing, allowing the potter to create figures with unique and peculiar movements. The pigments would also have been applied after-firing. Usually this would have resulted with the colour being more prone to flaking; however, in this case, the original colours have preserved themselves extremely fine, maintaining their original brightness.

N.B. This item will require additional postage charges after checkout due to weight and size. Please email us your selection, stating your favoured letter. We can accomodate a discount for purchase of pairs or selection of fours.