Tang Dynasty, 618-907 A.D. Modelled standing on a rectangular base, wearing a harness adorned with pendants and an 'animal skin' saddlecloth; the rider modelled seated in the saddle, arms held before the body, gesturing to hold reins (absent); semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing to both figures; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 54.169, for a broadlyparable kg, 40 cm high (15 3/4 in.). Acquired 1980s-1990s. Ex West Country collection.Apanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no. C122f86 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is apanied by search certificate number no.11703-199229. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions .]