Ming Period Pottery Horse with Saddle

A Ming dynasty pottery horse modelled in a standing posture on a rectangular base, with a robust yet stylised anatomy, elongated neck, covered in a warm buff-toned slip with surviving green glaze on the saddle and harness; the saddle is finished with a thick green glaze showing crackle, mineral encrustation, and a subtle iridescent effect from burial, while the overall surface displays extensive patina, abrasion to protruding elements, consistent with Ming funerary pottery.

Period: Ming Dynasty 
Medium: Green glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Size :  29cm(Diameter) x 25cm(Height)
Condition : Good
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse
(Type : Closely Related)
https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1087270

2) Christies Newyork 4–5 APR 2007 - The House Sale - Lot 384 - A CHINESE GREEN AND AMBER-GLAZED POTTERY TILEWORKS FIGURE OF A HORSE
(Price realised : 3,360 USD / Type : Closely related
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4887612

* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures

Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.

A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures, which emphasize overglaze enamel decorations and famille-rose palettes, Ming glazed figures maintain a rich, saturated aesthetic, demonstrating the technical mastery of high-fired ceramics. Their sturdy construction and vibrant finishes ensure a lasting visual impact, making them some of the most remarkable works in Chinese ceramic history.