{"product_id":"needs-review-carved-gilt-wood-horse-warrior-rider-polychrome-asian","title":"Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Carved Wood Horse \u0026 Rider, Early 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eA spirited \u003cstrong\u003eChinese carved wood horse and warrior rider in the Tang Dynasty style\u003c\/strong\u003e, early 20th century — a serious decorative carving in the lineage of the great Tang horse-and-rider sculptures of 7th–10th-century China, executed roughly a thousand years later by Chinese craftsmen working in that revered tradition. The horse is rendered mid-gallop, mane carved into stylized flames, the warrior rider seated upright in a flame-finial helmet with a staff or short spear at his side. The figure is finished in \u003cstrong\u003egold leaf over red bole with green polychrome detailing\u003c\/strong\u003e — the high points worn down to expose the warmer red and green underpainting in exactly the way collectors look for in genuine aged carving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) is widely considered the high point of Chinese ceramic and wood sculpture, with its dynamic horses-and-riders becoming one of the most-collected categories of Chinese antiquity. Period Tang pieces routinely clear $5,000–$50,000+ at auction; early-20th-century Chinese revival sculptures in this vocabulary — like this one — were produced for a domestic Chinese market and increasingly for export to American and European collectors who wanted the Tang form without the period premium. The vocabulary here is textbook Tang: the curling stylized mane, the architectural saddle and saddle-bag, the flame-finial crown on the rider, the carefully-carved bridle and bit, and the heraldic medallions on the horse's flank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe carving sits on a rectangular wooden plinth integral to the original construction. Surface wear and the layered red\/green\/gilt finish suggest a century of honest age — the kind of patina that can't be faked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunctions beautifully on a console, library shelf, mantel, or as the centerpiece of an Asian-art vignette. Pairs equally well with traditional Asian collections, eclectic global interiors, and modern rooms where one strong piece of figurative carving anchors the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProvenance: Chinese, early 20th century — a decorative carved wood horse and rider executed in the Tang Dynasty style.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 33\" L × 10.5\" W × 38.5\" H\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShips via FedEx or UPS, fully insured. Properly packed for transit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee photos for condition and additional detail. Reach out directly with any specific questions, and we'll do our best to reply within 24 hours. Please check out our other listings for amazing estate items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChinese Tang dynasty horse, early 20th century Chinese carving, Tang style horse and rider, gilt wood Chinese sculpture, polychrome Chinese horse, antique Chinese carved horse, Tang style figural sculpture, Asian art horse rider, Chinese revival sculpture, antique Asian wood carving\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RECLAMATION","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45930081943689,"sku":null,"price":1485.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0599\/2959\/1945\/files\/IMG_7781.jpg?v=1777302311","url":"https:\/\/reclamationfurnishings.myshopify.com\/products\/needs-review-carved-gilt-wood-horse-warrior-rider-polychrome-asian","provider":"RECLAMATION","version":"1.0","type":"link"}