China - Horseman - Han Dynasty - Tl

A mounted horseman from the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The horse adopts a stable, frontal posture, standing on four upright legs with massive hooves. The neck is powerful and arched, the head slightly inclined forward, the nostrils sunken, and the mouth slightly open. The ears are erect and close together. The short tail, lying close to the rump, conforms to Han stylistic conventions. The rider is depicted hieratically. Seated directly on the animal's back, without a saddle or elaborate harness, his arms are extended forward in a position suggesting he was holding reins, now lost. The face, with its stylized features, reflects the archaic funerary aesthetic characteristic of the period. The deliberately understated treatment of the figure contrasts with the structured mass of the horse. The terracotta has an ochre paste with a predominantly ferruginous red color and visible mineral inclusions. The surface retains significant traces of polychromy: rich red pigments on the neck and head, whitish traces of slip on the rider, and paint residue on the rump. The whole reveals a homogeneous archaeological patina, with micro-flaking, natural concretions, and wear consistent with long-standing burial. These equestrian groups were intended to accompany high-ranking deceased individuals in their tombs, symbolizing military power, mobility, and social prestige in the afterlife. Origin: China. Period: Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Dimensions: Height 28.5 cm; Length 27.5 cm. Condition: Good overall condition, with minor restorations. Provenance: European collection