Ancient Chinese

An Extremely Rare Painted Pottery Figure of a Mounted Military Musician China, Northern Wei dynasty (386–535) Terracotta / earthenware with original pigments Height: 29 cm; Width: 25 cm Finely modelled as a mounted warrior-musician seated upright upon a powerful standing horse, the figure belongs to the distinctive group of equestrian funerary sculptures produced for the aristocratic and military elite of Northern China during the Northern Wei dynasty. The horse is shown standing four-square on an integral rectangular base, with a broad chest, compact body, strong short legs and an elegantly arched neck. The head is slightly lowered, with the facial features, bridle and harness indicated in relief and further articulated with surviving dark pigment. The saddle and saddlecloth are carefully modelled, the latter falling in pronounced folds along the flanks. The rider is seated rigidly upright in the characteristic Northern Wei manner, creating the tall, strongly vertical silhouette associated with mounted figures of the period. He wears a long tunic with an overlapping front and a distinctive rounded hood or cap, traditionally identified as a *fengmao*. The costume, posture and headgear are closely connected with the military and ceremonial culture of the Northern Dynasties. Figures of this type are generally interpreted as members of the mounted guard of honour accompanying the deceased. Comparable mounted attendants and musicians are known from Northern Wei and related Northern Dynasties tomb assemblages, where groups of horsemen formed part of ceremonial, military and musical processions intended to serve the tomb occupant in the afterlife. The figure is particularly distinguished by the survival of considerable areas of **original polychromy**. Traces of red pigment remain visible on the horse’s body, hindquarters, legs and saddle equipment, while darker grey-black and black pigments survive on the rider’s costume, harness and details of the horse’s head. Such surviving colour is especially important, as much of the original decoration on excavated Northern Wei pottery has disappeared through burial and age. The restrained modelling, elongated rider, compact horse and surviving painted decoration are highly characteristic of Northern Wei funerary sculpture and reflect the strong equestrian traditions of the Xianbei elite. - Thermoluminescence Test The figure is accompanied by a Thermoluminescence Report issued by Laboratory Kotalla, Germany, report no. 02B030225, dated 12 February 2025. The analysis records an approximate age of: 1590 years old ±14% and is consistent with a Northern Wei dynasty date. Samples were taken from three different points of the object. An additional pre-dose test was also carried out. According to the laboratory, the pre-dose analysis confirms an ancient firing and shows no indication of artificial X-ray or irradiation treatment intended to falsify the thermoluminescence result. - Provenance Old private collection, London, United Kingdom. - Historical Background The Northern Wei dynasty was founded by the Tuoba branch of the Xianbei and ruled northern China from 386 until 535. The dynasty played a crucial role in the political and cultural development of China during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. The Northern Wei court retained strong connections with the equestrian cultures of the northern and northwestern frontiers. Horses therefore occupied an important position in both military life and aristocratic ceremony. This influence is clearly reflected in contemporary tomb sculpture, where mounted warriors, musicians, attendants, officials, camels and horses frequently formed part of elaborate funerary processions. Mounted musicians were particularly associated with ceremonial and military retinues. Their presence in tombs symbolised the continued status, authority and ceremonial life of the deceased in the afterlife. The present figure, with its monumental stance, strongly modelled horse and remarkable surviving pigments, is an especially attractive example of this important tradition. - Condition Very good condition considering its age. The horse and rider retain a strong and substantially complete overall form. Considerable traces of the original red, black and grey pigments survive. There is expected age-related wear, surface erosion, burial accretion, pigment loss, minor chips and old fissures consistent with an excavated terracotta sculpture approximately sixteen centuries old. No major losses disturbing the overall appearance of the figure. The photographs form an integral part of the condition report. Documentation The figure will be accompanied by: * Laboratory Kotalla Thermoluminescence Report no. 02B030225 * TL analysis consistent with a Northern Wei dynasty date * Sampling from three separate points * Pre-dose test confirming ancient firing without artificial irradiation * Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, Amsterdam, specialists in Asian art since 1969 An extremely rare and highly evocative Northern Wei painted pottery figure of a mounted military musician, notable for its elegant proportions, surviving original polychromy, strong sculptural presence and scientific thermoluminescence documentation. -Premium Authenticity Guarantee – Becker Antiques (Established 1969) This is a high-value artwork, selected with the utmost care by Becker Antiques, a gallery founded in 1969 and based in a historic five-storey mansion in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter. Every premium piece we offer undergoes a rigorous authentication process based on nearly 60 years of specialist expertise. This includes: • Detailed stylistic and topological analysis • Assessment of condition, surface, and age-related characteristics • Comparative research with museum and literature examples We guarantee that this object is genuine, original, and exactly as described, with no modern, altered, or assembled elements unless clearly mentioned in the listing. Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Each premium item is chosen for its authenticity, historical integrity, and exceptional quality. For serious collectors or institutions wishing to receive additional documentation, we are always happy to assist. Shipping The figure will be professionally packed and dispatched within three working days, shipped by FedEx with full insurance.

Utropspris:SEK 32,490.26

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