Gilt Lacquered Tang-Style Horse with Raised Foreleg

A carved wood horse in the Tang dynasty manner, standing on its own wooden plinth with one foreleg lifted in the pose of a spirited parade horse. The arched neck carries a mane of tight carved spiral curls above a finely combed crest, and the body is dressed in a full set of trappings: a draped saddle cloth falling in soft folds, a bound and tasselled tail, and harness bands worked with the classic key-fret pattern and floral pendants. The gilt surface has worn back over long years to the black lacquer and warm wood beneath, the kind of soft, broken patina that no new finish imitates. Tang horses are the most collected form in Chinese decorative art, and this is a generous, room-scale example with real presence. Please read the condition notes: this is an honest old piece with age splits and surface wear in keeping with its years, offered accordingly.

This piece has found its home.

Delivery is arranged islandwide and quoted separately. Full condition notes are provided for every piece.