This exceptional pottery model of a horse and rider was made during the Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550 - 577). It is made from a grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in various coloured pigments. There is a high degree of detail to both the horse and the rider. Note the detail to the horse's head, the rider's clothing, hands and face. There are three purpose-made holes, in each hand and the front of the saddle, where originally would have been placed miniature weapons and/or banners, probably made of wood and now long since rotted away and lost. 

A good size with a height of 31.5 cm (12.5 inches). Repairs should not be ruled out but, apart from the tail having clearly been broken, none are obvious. This is a superb example in fine condition.

This horse & rider has been in our own collection for several years. A few years ago, as with many of our finer items, we had this model tested by Oxford Authentications, the only testers of ancient pottery accepted by all major dealers, auction houses and museums worldwide, and the Thermoluminescence Analysis Report that will accompany this item is shown with our pictures below; this confirms the date of manufacture as "between 1,000 and 1,600 years ago". (The small holes from where the samples for the TL test were taken can easily be filled).

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