517 - A PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A PRANCING ARABIAN HORSE, TANG DYNASTY

A PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A PRANCING ARABIAN HORSE, TANG DYNASTY Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 25 February 2026, based on sample number C126b71, sets the firing date of two samples, taken from the right side of the head and the right buttock, between 900 and 1500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A third sample, taken from beneath the raised leg, indicates a firing date of less than 100 years for that area, suggesting the presence of an old restoration. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. Expert’s note: The Arabian horse has been introduced to China multiple times throughout history. According to legend, the Prophet Mohammed's companion Omar, along with his wife and a group of forty horsemen on Arabian horses, arrived in the Yili region of Xinjiang. Despite these introductions, depictions of Arabian horses during the Tang dynasty are rare. One distinctive feature of Arabian horses is their smaller, ‘dished’ head. This trait, which has evolved over time, positions the eyes to have a broader field of vision—up to 160 degrees. In contrast, horses with a more prominent nasal bone structure have a narrower field of vision and may be more prone to spooking. Arabian horses not only have less protrusion between the eyes but also possess larger, slightly more protruding eyes relative to the size of their heads. This unique conformation likely played a crucial role in the survival and adaptability of the breed throughout its history. China, 618-906. Finely modeled and painted in red, yellow, and black pigments, depicted mid-stride with its right foreleg raised. Its body, partially covered by an arched saddle set over an oval blanket, extends into a powerful neck adorned with a luxuriant mane. The head of the animal is held erect, its restrained features defined by rounded eyes, a strong jaw, and a pair of small, pointed ears. Provenance: Private collection of Hubert Guerrand-Hermès, Paris, France. Thereafter in a private collection in Spain. Hubert Guerrand-Hermès (1940-2016) was a member of the Hermès family, descended from Thierry Hermès, founder of the French luxury house established in 1837. A curious and enthusiastic collector, Guerrand-Hermès devoted decades to assembling an exceptional collection of nearly 1,000 works of art, housed in the historic Hôtel de Lannion in the heart of Paris. The collection embraced an extraordinary diversity of periods and disciplines, ranging from medieval sculpture, Renaissance bronzes, eighteenth-century French furniture, European decorative arts, and classical antiquities to works by some of the leading figures of modern and contemporary art, including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Lucio Fontana, Alexander Calder, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Rather than pursuing a single field of specialization, he sought to create a collection defined by dialogue across periods and cultures, where masterpieces of European art stood alongside archaeological treasures and iconic works of the twentieth century. The resulting ensemble reflected a highly personal vision, guided by intellectual curiosity, connoisseurship, and an unwavering appreciation for artistic excellence. Condition: Good condition, with expected wear, firing irregularities, traces of weathering, signs of prolonged burial, small chips and losses, typical rubbing and losses to pigments, old repairs and touchups as expected from authentic Tand dynasty excavations. Small holes from sample-taking, now filled. Presenting exceptionally well. Weight: 6.3 kg Dimensions: Height 44.8 cm Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 19 September 2014, lot 719 Price: USD 40,000 or approx. EUR 48,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A painted pottery figure of a prancing horse, Tang dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, subject, and size (44.3 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 9 December 2020, lot 83 Price: USD 25,000 or approx. EUR 28,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A large painted pottery figure of a horse, Tang dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and modeling, with similar prancing pose. Note the size (51 cm). Due to length restriction on Drouot this entry is shortened. For full description please visit www.zacke.at.