Tang Dynasty, 618-906 AD. A finely modelled ceramic figurine of a horse and rider on a quadrilateral base; the horse with textured saddle and sheepskin cover, painted harness and bridle; the figure in riding boots and coat, 'Phrygian' style cap, with hands held before the body in gripping pose. 5.5 kg, 52cm (20 1/2"). Property of a North London gentleman; formerly in a private collection formed between 1990 and 2000; accompanied by an original thermoluminescence test certificate issued by Laboratory Kotalla of Germany, report number 05CM260619. Finely modelled.