Equestrienne

Tang dynasty (618–907), mid-8th century

Chinese ceramic figures made for burial often evoke the fashions and recreational activities of their aristocratic owners. This figure sensitively captures a woman gently guiding her horse. Her weight, costume, and hairstyle reflect early-to-mid-eighth-century ideals of feminine beauty. Stylistically, the woman closely resembles figures recently unearthed from the tombs of high-status individuals that are datable to about 740.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

China

Date

Tang dynasty (618–907), mid-8th century

Medium

Earthenware with polychrome pigments

Dimensions

56.2 × 48.2 × 39 cm (22 1/8 × 19 × 15 3/8 in.)

Origin

China

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Potter Palmer