Artist: Unknown, maker; Date(s): circa 700 - 800; Classification(s): earthenware, animal figure, moulding, earthenware, moulded in relief; Acquisition: bequeathed by Reitlinger, Henry Scipio, 1950, Bequeathed by H.S. Reitlinger, 1950; transferred from the Reitlinger Trust, 1991. [C.592-1991]
Description: Figure of a prancing horse. Buff earthenware, covered in white slip or paint, traces of red and brown cold pigment and black inked details. The horse has a raised right foreleg, flared nostrils and open mouth, and tail flowing behind. There are traces of red pigment on the mouth and darker red/brown pigment visible on the head and parts of the body. The long mane falls to the near side of the elegantly arched neck, and a draped saddle set on the saddle-cloth is set on its back. Decorations adorn the horse's body, three each side on the back, and three under the neck; these decorations show traces of red pigment on a pale slip, covering the grey body. There are traces of black inked line on the harness, from which ornaments are hung.