Large Chinese Tang Prancing Horse. Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. A ceramic horse modelled in the round prancing on a rectangular base, right foreleg bent and raised, integral moulded saddle and saddlecloth, crupper with bells and dangles, cropped and dressed mane and tail, naturalistic detailing to the head; remains of painted pigmentation. 13 kg, 54 cm wide (21 1/4 in.) Acquired 1990s. Ex West Country collection, UK. Accompanied by a positive thermoluminescence test certificate no.TBA issued by Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate no.11250-189441. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.