Sample Appraisal: Sculpture
Appraisal ID: 11415
Appraised On: Sep 24, 2006
Market Value: $ 5,500.00
Replacement Value: $ 7,500.00
APPRAISER COMMENTS:
Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) unglazed horse, standing with foreleg
raised, head bowed in agitation and turned to the side, flared nostrils
and open mouth with a long saddlecloth and docked tail, standing on a
rectangular base. Very pale buff ware with traces of pigments on saddle
and face. Size: 18″H.
TANG DYNASTY
The Tang Dynasty was one of the richest and most opulent periods of all
Chinese history. Every aspect of art was flourishing. Painting, pottery,
calligraphy, sculpture, music, dance and literature all were receiving
great attention. Not only were art and artisans appreciated, so were the
works of art being appreciated in every day life. Objects of art were
found in the home now more than they had ever been before. Art was no
longer only appreciated by the church or Royal Family, but was now
appreciated by those from all walks of life.
During the Tang dynasty, China’s land mass grew in all geographic
directions and, as a result, China emerged as one of the strongest
powers of all nations on the world scene. As a result of this
militaristic history and conflict, we begin to see figurines
representing warriors, soldiers and their horses, guardians, officers,
etc. emerging during the Tang Dynasty.
Painted pottery figures can be found as far back in Chinese culture as
the Neolithic Period and yet never in the history of Asia can more vivid
and beautifully painted figurines be found as we see during the Tang
Dynasty. Many of the funerary pieces such as the Lokopalas, guardians,
warriors, civil and military officials, horses, barbarians, camels and
grooms were beautifully painted.
The horse is a symbol of perseverance and speed. The native Chinese
horse is relatively small in stature. Chinese emissaries first came
across the monumental horses bred in Ferghana in the second century BC.
Under Tang rule the horse came to symbolize power and strength and
pottery models of horses became an important part of the funerary
regalia of high-ranking officials and members of the imperial family.
The best were glazed in sancai lead glazes. Many had saddles, bridles,
and other ornaments.
Item/Title:
Date/Period of Manufacture: Tang dynasty
Condition: very good
Manufacturer/Artist/Author:
Dimensions (HxWxD): 18″high
Inscription:
History/Provenance: My mother inherited it from my grandfather who was extremely wealthy.
DISCLAIMER
This online appraisal report is an appraisal expert’s opinion of
value based on market comparable research of the item description and
images supplied by our customer. No further guarantee of authenticity,
genuineness, attribution or authorship is represented.
Current Fair Market Value is the price agreed on between a
willing buyer and seller, neither being required to act, and both having
reasonable knowledge of the facts.
Replacement Value is the price in terms of money that would be
required to replace the property in question with another of similar
age, quality, origin, appearance, provenance and condition, within a
reasonable length of time in an appropriate market.