Ca. 1368-1644 AD, or later. A ceramic figure depicting an elegant horse standing atop of integral flat base, with its neck stretching forward and its tail flowing over one hind quarter. The intricate detailing of the horse's trappings, including the bridle and breastplate, saddle blanket, and breeching, are molded in the round and colored in a stunning green glaze. The warrior rider is shown dressed in a full armour in green and yellow and wearing a black helmet. His head is detachable. This ceramic figure belongs to the mingqi tradition, which played a significant role in Ming Dynasty burial practices. These tomb figurines were meant to accompany the deceased into the afterlife and provide them with a retinue of attendants and officials. The depiction of a horse and rider was a popular choice for tomb figurines, as horses held a significant cultural and social status in Chinese society.Size: L:310mm / W:235mm ; 1.95kgProvenance: East Anglian private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.