Glazed ceramic figure 'Horseman on horseback', Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644)

Modelled ceramic, glazed in amber, green, black and white, and polychromed in black and white.

It depicts a celestial warrior riding a horse with his hands clasped as if he were holding a bow. The facial features and details of the figure are well rendered, as is the choice of decoration.

The warrior is seated astride a saddle with a thickly woven, fringed cloth underneath. He is wearing full armour of the period, with chain-mail armour covering his shoulders and legs over a tunic, held in place at the wrists by tightly woven armlets. The shoulder armour is in the form of lion's heads, and the chest armour is in the form of a medallion in relief. At the waist and loins, he wears a girdle tied with a belt that holds a sword and a quiver. On his head he wears a pointed cap or helmet, which also protects the back of his neck, and a tiara adorned with cabochons on his forehead. The boots are sturdy and have raised toes.

The saddle and reins are attached to the horse by means of thick straps with decorative balls hanging from the chest, back and muzzle, as well as flower-shaped fittings. The horse's mane is curled upwards and polychromed in black. The rear hole was used to simulate the horse's tail, inserting natural materials that have not been preserved because they are perishable, as well as the weapons that would have been held in the horse's hands. The figure is on a base with a stand in the centre. 

Size: 50 x 40 x 22 cm.

Its state of preservation is exceptional, considering its age. It presents some minimal restorations, although preserving its integrity. 

Provenance:

Spanish private collection. 

This important private collection comes from a successful businessman dedicated to national and international construction and investment who lived in different parts of Spain and the South of France. This part of the collection, exhibited exclusively for the first time at auction, focuses on Chinese ceramics from the Tang dynasty and is a collection of museum quality pieces. The family's tradition of travel dates back to the success of an ancestor who in the 1930s travelled to Manila, Shanghai, Cairo, Havana, etc., practising the sport of "cesta punta", and in particular, motivated by an interest in discovering different cultures, which led them to build up a large collection. In general, their interest in art is such that their collection includes pieces of both Asian and European origin.

The acquisition of the collection began in the 1990s and was built up during years of study in Madrid and on various trips to Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Spain and Germany; at reputable antique dealers such as "Arch Angel" in Hong Kong and international auctions such as Nagel. Specialists have also collaborated in the selection, study and verification of the pieces, as can be seen in the accompanying documentation: invoices, studies and reports.