Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A ceramic horse modelled standing in the round, with semi-naturalistic detailing to the open mouth, muzzle, head, eyes, legs and hooves, with short dressed tail; remains of painted pigmentation; circular opening into body beneath. 8.8 kg, 57cm (22 1/2"). From a West Country, UK, collection; formerly with a Bath, UK, gallery, 1990s; accompanied by a positive Kotalla Laboratory thermoluminescence report no.23CM180321; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10835-178530. For centuries in China, geopolitical realities made horses 'the foundation of military might, the great resource of the state.' The Chinese used horses to pull war chariots from the Shang dynasty (c.1600 BC) onwards, and deployed mounted riders against their enemies from the 4th century BC onwards. Placing representations of horses in tombs was a practice in China from the Bronze Age, with ceramic figures being the most frequently discovered burial artefacts between the Han and Tang periods, with carvings and paintings appearing on the spirit roads leading to imperial tombs and in tomb murals, with some even capturing the likeness of specific animals when they were alive, creating a symbolic equality between rulers and their horses. Representations of horses symbolised the military prowess of China's ruling dynasty and the power and status of the owner of the equine figure. Riding itself was a privilege- an imperial edict issued in 667 AD prohibited artisans and tradesmen from riding horses, whilst the aristocracy rode to hunt, for sport and for pleasure.