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Subject:Tang funerary horse
Posted By: Paul Benson Sat, Jul 11, 2015 IP: 166.177.123.67

I came across this old pottery horse recently. I have been researching it and can find very few examples of anything this size(68cm /27"tall).
The unglazed part absorbs water of my finger very quickly (3-5 secs.) All edges even up inside have a smooth feel not sharp.
The glaze has kind of a salty? or murky look to it in many places.
I didn't notice the rank rotten earth smell some have described, more of a musty chalky smell.
The mouth is open with well defined teeth. The tail is removable.
The unglazed surface cannot be easily scratched.
I would be very grateful for any comments or suggestions as to further research on this statue.could it be genuine?







Subject:Re: Tang funerary horse
Posted By: Anthony J Allen Mon, Jul 13, 2015

Hi Paul,
My initial reaction is that the decoration is too mechanical for Tang dynasty sancai, the glazes for which were freely applied, often running into or over one another. Similarly with the mane and blanket decoration,
But what convinced me this is a recent copy is the artificial iridescence in the last photo, which scratches off. I read somewhere years ago that the potters were using talcum powder to simulate genuine iridescence, which naturally appears most commonly on green glazes.
Google Tang Sancai Horse and check out those from the major auction houses, and hopefully you will see the difference.
Regards
Tony

Subject:Re: Tang funerary horse
Posted By: John R Wed, Jul 15, 2015

Shares many of the characteristics of
extremely valuable versions of this subject.
Here is a link to a pair sold by Sotheby's
that are approximately the same size as yours.
http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/fine-chinese-ceramics-works-of-art-n09006/lot.45.html

The problem I can see with yours is the thickness of the base. It appears to be
thicker than most examples. The leaking of
the glaze into the thin cracks may indicate
a thinner glaze. Keep researching it.

Subject:Re: Tang funerary horse
Posted By: Paul Benson Thu, Jul 16, 2015

Thank you Tony and John for taking the time to consider my post and reply. I am grateful for the feed back.
Here are some additional pics.
I'm not sure what Tony you meant about the luminessance scratched off. How can one tell from a photo? I was wondering if a previous cleaning might have left a polish.
Thanks John for the Sotheby's link. Quite impressive. I wish I could find more statues this size to compare. I'll keep researching. It was an article by Jon-Erik Nilsson on Tang pottery that convinced me I should be diligent to rule out this statue being an original before I sold it as a vintage reproduction.
http://gotheborg.com/qa/tang.shtml
Thank you for your time and any additional comments. Paul







Subject:Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: beadiste Thu, Jul 16, 2015

Thought this article about another large Tang horse might be of interest.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/fts/sanantonio_200703A51.html

URL Title :Tang horse pottery test


Subject:Re: Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: John Rjj Fri, Jul 17, 2015

Heading out tomorrow to have a sancai glazed
horse drilled for testing. Oxford has agents
available throughout the world that they trust
to do the sampling. There will be two charges,
one from the drilling agent, and one from Oxford.
I will update with what my final costs, and results are.

Subject:Re: Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: Corey Thu, Jul 23, 2015

Found these three examples that each has a thicker base than usual, like yours. I'm sure there are many more. I think the rotten smell is usually found in fresh pieces, that has been taken out of their respective owners tombs recently, while the musty smell is found in pieces that has been out of their tombs for a longer period of time.

http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-large-sancai-glazed-pottery-figure-of-tang-4165014-details.aspx?intObjectID=4165014

---

http://cultja.com/2012/04/09/golden-age-at-tefaf-and-drents-museum/

---

http://www.tripchinaguide.com/photo-p804-9145-tang-three-color-glaze-horse-tang-dynasty.html

Subject:Re: Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: John R Thu, Jul 23, 2015

Just received the estimate from the drilling agent. I asked for an option of doing the repairs
to the drilled holes myself. here it is:

TREATMENT PROPOSAL

The goal of treatment is to remove 3 samples from the horse for thermoluminescence analysis (TL).

The samples will be taken from three distinct regions of the body and sent to Oxford Authentication

Ltc. In Oxfordshire, England for analysis.

An optional step is provided to fill and tone the sample holes after treatment.

1 Complete photographic documentation of the horse and individual sample sites before

sampling and after sampling.

2 Drill 3 samples following Oxford Authentication's recommended procedures.

3 Send samples to Oxford for analysis.


4 OPTIONAL STEP: Fill and tone sample areas.
Total Project Cost:$985.00

The cost listed above is for treatment steps 1-3. Step 4 is an optional step to fill

and tone losses for an additional $335.00. Please indicate below whether you

would like to include the optional step.

Steps 1-3 Only. Total Cost: $985.00

Include Step 4. Total Cost: $1320.00

Wish me luck!

Subject:Re: Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: Paul Benson Fri, Jul 24, 2015

Thank you John and Corey for your input and links.
I just received a quote from a drilling agent for Oxford testing in Lakewood Colorado, USA. She said her fee would $165.00 total including drilling, shipping, and documentation. The Oxford testing fee for pottery is $400.00 for a total cost to me of $565.00 U.S.! Compared to this your quote John seems a little steep. Maybe Oxford could recommend a more reasonable agent. Not that I am any authority on these matters. I am not! But sometimes it pays to shop around. The drawback is lakeland is 15 hours drive from me. Positive note, I do love a good road trip!

Subject:Re: Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: John R Sat, Jul 25, 2015

Thanks Paul,
The agent I worked with was in Minneapolis, there
is another agent closer to me in Chicago. I will
certainly get a quote from them before I sign the
agreement.

Subject:Re: Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: Tinker Wed, Aug 19, 2015

Do not waste your money, this is a fake horse as seen on EBAY.
Please, please do not waste your money

Subject:Re: Thermoluminescence & ancient pottery
Posted By: Pam Thu, Nov 12, 2015

Any news on your test?


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