Description: This typical Tang dynasty painted earthenware figure shows a foreigner riding a horse, most likely a central and western Asian merchant. It usually belongs to a whole group of merchants dressed differently carrying a variety of goods, indicating the travel along the silk road into Chang’an, capital of China at that time. These objects were originally placed in the tomb with other earthenware items representing the life of the passed. This figure is made of red clay and most of the pigments that were cold painted on the surface have faded except on the face. The thin long legs and small head suggest that this may be made in early Tang dynasty.

Provenance: A British collection

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