TANG DYNASTY PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A CAMEL AND RIDER - TL TESTED Ca. AD 618 - 907.A terracotta sculpture of a camel with its rider seated atop. The figure, portrayed as a young man, is dressed in simple attire, including a pair of black boots and a pointed hat. He is seated comfortably, with his legs resting on either side of the camel's saddle. The camel's body is depicted with detailed anatomical features, including a muscular build, long slender legs ending in detailed hooves, and a raised tail. The neck is adorned with textured hair, and the head is shown with pronounced details, including a raised position, an open mouth, and a defined muzzle, suggesting a dynamic posture as if calling out. The camel is fitted with a saddle and a large draped cloth on either side, depicted in vibrant painted colours. The sculpture sits on an integral rectangular base that supports the composition. This piece is a mingqi, a type of funerary object made to accompany the deceased in the afterlife, serving as a substitute for real-life provisions or companions.For similar see: The Ashmolean Museum, Accession no. EA2012.189. Size: L:705mm / W:530mm ; 14.27kg.Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.This piece has been precisely dated using a thermoluminescence analysis carried out by Ralf Kotalla. The report will accompany the lot.