A finely modelled painted pottery equestrian warrior dating to the Northern Qi Dynasty, a period distinguished by its highly accomplished ceramic sculpture and vivid representations of horses, soldiers and courtly life.
The Northern Qi established its capital at 鄴城 (Ye), one of the most important political and cultural centres of sixth-century northern China. Situated at the crossroads of different peoples and traditions, the city became an important centre for artistic exchange, and the sculpture of the period developed a distinctive visual language combining strength, elegance and an increasing naturalism in the representation of the human figure.
The rider sits upright upon a strongly modelled horse, wearing a protective helmet and long military robes. His broad shoulders, composed posture and carefully defined facial features give the figure a commanding yet restrained presence. The horse is similarly sculpted with considerable character, with an elongated head, upright ears and sturdy proportions conveying the strength of a military mount.
Particular attention has been given to the relationship between horse and rider. The rider's long robes descend naturally towards the saddle, while the horse's powerful neck and substantial body create a strong, balanced silhouette.
Traces of the original cold-painted decoration survive across both horse and rider, including red, white and darker pigments. These remaining colours provide a glimpse of the sculpture's original appearance more than fourteen centuries ago.
The figure comes from the distinguished Mary and Peter White Collection. Acquired in the 1990s, it has been published and illustrated in works documenting the collection. Mary and Peter White were long-standing members of the Oriental Ceramic Society.
Provenance
Mary and Peter White Collection, United Kingdom
Acquired in the 1990s
Mary and Peter White were long-standing members of the Oriental Ceramic Society
Published and Illustrated
M. White, Beasts at the Whites' House: A Selection of Ceramics from the Whites' House Collection, Vol. 1, 2020, p. 68
M. White, People at the Whites' House: Ceramics from the Mary and Peter White Collection, Vol. 5, 2024, pp. 272–273
Period: Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550–577)
Material: Painted pottery
Type: Equestrian warrior / mounted warrior
A finely modelled painted pottery equestrian warrior dating to the Northern Qi Dynasty, a period distinguished by its highly accomplished ceramic sculpture and vivid representations of horses, soldiers and courtly life.
The Northern Qi established its capital at 鄴城 (Ye), one of the most important political and cultural centres of sixth-century northern China. Situated at the crossroads of different peoples and traditions, the city became an important centre for artistic exchange, and the sculpture of the period developed a distinctive visual language combining strength, elegance and an increasing naturalism in the representation of the human figure.
The rider sits upright upon a strongly modelled horse, wearing a protective helmet and long military robes. His broad shoulders, composed posture and carefully defined facial features give the figure a commanding yet restrained presence. The horse is similarly sculpted with considerable character, with an elongated head, upright ears and sturdy proportions conveying the strength of a military mount.
Particular attention has been given to the relationship between horse and rider. The rider's long robes descend naturally towards the saddle, while the horse's powerful neck and substantial body create a strong, balanced silhouette.
Traces of the original cold-painted decoration survive across both horse and rider, including red, white and darker pigments. These remaining colours provide a glimpse of the sculpture's original appearance more than fourteen centuries ago.
The figure comes from the distinguished Mary and Peter White Collection. Acquired in the 1990s, it has been published and illustrated in works documenting the collection. Mary and Peter White were long-standing members of the Oriental Ceramic Society.
Provenance
Mary and Peter White Collection, United Kingdom
Acquired in the 1990s
Mary and Peter White were long-standing members of the Oriental Ceramic Society
Published and Illustrated
M. White, Beasts at the Whites' House: A Selection of Ceramics from the Whites' House Collection, Vol. 1, 2020, p. 68
M. White, People at the Whites' House: Ceramics from the Mary and Peter White Collection, Vol. 5, 2024, pp. 272–273
Period: Northern Qi Dynasty (AD 550–577)
Material: Painted pottery
Type: Equestrian warrior / mounted warrior
