C. 386-534 AD. Northern Wei Dynasty. A painted pottery figure of a horse. The horse stands foursquare with its head drawn inwards, and its tail lowered. Its coat is picked out in a beautiful deep red, reminiscent of the tones traditionally associated with wealth in Chinese society, while its mane is reserved the light tan colour The creature is decked out with a carefully-modelled strap-and-boss bridle, a prominent breastgirth ornamented with bells, and a long, tasselled saddle. The horse is the seventh of the twelve animals in a zodiac cycle and represents strength, energy and an outgoing nature. Indeed, some peoples including Mongolians and Manchurians, revere and worship the horse and its power. Ceramic figures such as this item would often have ritual functions, reflecting beliefs in the ability of the horse to provide assistance, luck and companionship. The Northern Wei dynasty ruled northern China from c. 386 to 534 AD, and its most famous achievement was unifying a large empire following a long period social and political turbulence. However, craftsmen working under this dynasty were also responsible for beautiful works of art, as this object exemplifies. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:400mm / W:295mm; 3.05kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.