A nice pottery set of 2 horses with riders from the Northern Qi Dynasty, 1,500 yrs old, TL tested

• 2 typical Chinese Northern Qi style beautiful statues with nice details and a lot of pigment left still. Rider wearing a traditional Chinese robe and cap, sitting on a saddle with blanked and has a hole in the left hand which most have helt an object. The stirrups holding the feet is one of the details which is clearly recognizable.
• Comes out of an old Spanish collection.

• The Northern Qi Dynasty in China (550–577 AD) was a period marked by notable artistic and cultural achievements. Among the artifacts produced during this time, pottery horses with riders stand out as significant examples of Chinese artistic expression and craftsmanship.

  Key Aspects of Pottery Horses with Riders from the Northern Qi Period:

  • Artistic Style: Pottery horses with riders from the Northern Qi period showcase a distinctive artistic style. These sculptures are characterized by a sense of grace and refinement in their form and detailing. The horses are often portrayed with slender bodies, elongated necks, and finely crafted manes and tails.

  • Tang Dynasty Influence: The Northern Qi Dynasty was a transitional period between the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties. The artistic styles of this era show influences from both preceding and succeeding periods. The depiction of riders on horses became more refined and sophisticated during the Tang Dynasty, making these Northern Qi sculptures a precursor to the developments in the succeeding era.

  • Symbolism and Cultural Significance: Horses have held symbolic importance in Chinese culture for centuries. They are associated with attributes such as strength, speed, and nobility. Depicting riders on horses could symbolize various aspects, including military prowess, nobility, or convey a sense of imperial authority.

  • Ceramic Techniques: These sculptures were typically crafted using ceramic techniques. Skilled artisans would mold and shape the clay to create the form of the horse and rider. The surfaces were often embellished with intricate details, such as the riders' garments, facial features, and the horses' harnesses.

  • Tomb Burials: Pottery horses with riders were often placed in tombs as burial goods. These artifacts served both practical and symbolic purposes. In addition to providing for the deceased in the afterlife, the inclusion of these sculptures reflected the cultural importance placed on horses and their association with mobility and prestige.

  • Archaeological Discoveries: Many examples of these pottery horses with riders have been unearthed through archaeological excavations, providing valuable insights into the artistic techniques and cultural preferences of the Northern Qi period.

  • Influence on Later Art: The artistic achievements of the Northern Qi period, including pottery horses with riders, contributed to the evolving artistic landscape of China. Elements from this period influenced later dynasties, leaving a lasting impact on Chinese art.

  Pottery horses with riders from the Northern Qi period represent not only the artistic aesthetics of their time but also the cultural symbolism associated with horses in Chinese society. These artifacts are a testament to the craftsmanship and cultural expressions of this transitional period in Chinese history.

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