China - Large Detachable Headed Horseman - Ming Dynasty

Large horseman in motion on his mount. Ming dynasty terracotta horsemen, especially those with removable heads, are fascinating objects that reflect the art and culture of China between the 14th and 17th centuries. The Ming dynasty (1368–1644) is known for its artistic and cultural development, and the production of terracotta figurines is part of this. These horsemen were often used as decorations or as funerary items, intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The removable heads may have been designed to facilitate the transport or storage of the figurines, or perhaps to allow for variations in the appearance of the horsemen. Terracotta horsemen from this period are often depicted in dynamic poses, wearing detailed clothing and accessories that reflect social and military status. They demonstrate the skill of the craftsmen of the time, who used sophisticated modelling and painting techniques. The glazes are obtained by mixing metal oxides with feldspar-based varnishes fired at low temperatures, the iron giving the yellow and red, and the copper the green. Origin: China. Dimensions: Height: 41 cm; Length: 32 cm; Width: 15 cm. Period: Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: Former UK collection. Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1990s.