63 - Tang funerary horse, Tang Dynasty, 7th - 10th century

Tang funerary horse, Tang Dynasty, 7th - 10th century Modeled and polychromed terracotta sculpture. Dimensions not indicated. Funerary figure depicting a horse in a static pose, its body rendered in a naturalistic and proportionate manner, resting on an integrated rectangular base. The head, slightly turned to the right, displays a lively expression, with erect ears and a slightly open mouth suggesting restrained breath and latent tension. The anatomy is rendered through rounded volumes and gently modeled surfaces that evoke musculature without excessive detail, in keeping with the sculptural sensibility of the period. The saddle is marked in relief on the horse's back, preserving traces of polychromy in red, black, and white tones on the saddle, harness, and the animal's coat. An oval ventilation opening, typical of kiln-fired ceramic pieces, is visible beneath the belly. The surface exhibits a homogeneous patina with wear and small, old chips, particularly visible on the ears and base, as well as traces of color largely faded by time. This type of artwork formed part of the funerary regalia intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the symbolic and military importance of the horse in Tang Dynasty Chinese society. The piece is fully in keeping with the artistic tradition of the period, characterized by its restrained dynamism, formal elegance, and refined balance between naturalism and stylization—distinctive features of the cultural splendor that flourished between the 7th and 10th centuries.