China - Polo Player With White Horse - Tang Dynasty - Tl

A beautiful terracotta figurine of a female polo player from the Tang Dynasty, an iconic period in Chinese history spanning the 7th to 9th centuries. The figure is dressed in a long, pale green tunic, finely modeled to reflect the style of dress of the time, with delicate details that demonstrate the craftsmanship of the time. Her hair is gathered into a knotted bun on top of her head. The player is depicted in dynamic action on a galloping white horse, whose expressive posture captures the movement and vitality of the scene. The mane is short and curled over the forehead, typical of the period. The fine details and facial expression give this piece great expressiveness and remarkable artistic value. Remains of polychromes and slip. Presented on a polycarbonate base. A thermoluminescence test certifying the antiquity of the dating accompanies the object. Origin: China. Period: Tang Dynasty (618-907) - Thermoluminescence test. Dimensions: Length: 32 cm; Height with base: 35 cm. Provenance: Former French collection. Conditions: Very good general condition except for the lack of polychromies - Brushed. The Tang Dynasty is often considered the golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by cultural, artistic and sporting prosperity. Polo, introduced in China during this period, was a sport reserved for the elite, symbolizing power and nobility. Terracotta figurines representing polo scenes illustrate the importance of this activity in Tang society as well as the artistic excellence of this period. These works, both decorative and common in ancient China, were used to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. They are testimonies of daily life and aristocratic leisure activities. The depiction of this polo player in action demonstrates the importance given to sporting dynamics and the elegance of movement in Tang art.