China - Grand Persian Groom - Tang Dynasty - Tel.

Splendid and large groom of foreign origin in terracotta with painted engobe. He is in motion and we can clearly see the use of the power of his entire body to control a horse at the time. His size speaks volumes about the high level of the social or military rank of the deceased. He is dressed in a long double-breasted coat with a large lapel collar and belted at the waist, falling over trousers tucked into his boots. The beard and his typical cap complete the traditional clothing of foreign people from Persia. Very beautiful preservation of the polychromy by pigments and cold. A thermoluminescence test accompanies the object certifying the time of its manufacture. The terracotta "groom" from the Tang dynasty refers to a series of terracotta statues that were often used as burials to accompany nobles and wealthy people to the afterlife. The Tang Dynasty (618-907) is known for its flourishing art and culture, and the funerary terracotta sculptures, including the groom figurines, are one of the manifestations of this period. Grooms in particular were important because they tended horses, symbolizing the high social status and power of the deceased. Pieces from the Tang period are noted for their realism, attention to detail, and the variety of glazing and polychromy techniques used. They are evidence of a period when Chinese art reached a notable level of excellence, influencing future generations. Groom figurines are also prized collectors' items and have great historical, artistic, and cultural value. Period: Tang Dynasty (618-907) Dimensions: Height: 54 cm; Length: 29.5 cm; Width: 24 cm. Provenance: Former French collection. Condition: Very good overall condition and very beautiful polychromies.