Tang Dynasty, Circa 618 -906 AD A large and beautiful hollow-moulded terracotta horse, modelled in a prancing pose, with one leg slightly raised. . An elegantly arched neck with lubtuous long flowing mane in black pigment, the head with black detailing, open mouth, muscular body, the tail tied short and secured with a string; standing on a rectangular base, hollow to the underside. The saddle is decorated in red pigment and white saddle cloth with blue and red floral scrolls. Horses were an important status symbol during the Tang golden age. They were the rewards of victorious military campaigns which lead to imperial stability and wealth. The Tang emperors often described their prized horses in detail commenting on their colouration, conformation, and temperament. The Tang emperors often described their favourite horses in detail commenting on their colouration, conformation, and temperament. Size: L:440mm / W:460mm ; 5.5kg. Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.