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4. Caparisoned Horse China; Northern Qi Dynasty 386-535 CE Painted grayware H: 37 in. |
This elegant horse is fitted with the accoutrements of the Northern Qi court. The head is crowned with a forelock combed into a leaf-shaped crest. A row of bell jewels in the form of conch shells engraved with florets is stretched across the broad chest, attached to the stiffly splayed saddle blanket. The haunches are covered with round ornaments, each with a tiny floret. The naturalistic proportions of this horse represent the height of development of tomb figures from this period. |