Featured Tang horses?

Just got these home from auction. Bidding went pretty high, but I finally got them! Per consignor they were purchased in Hong Kong and are authentic Tang pieces. I've done well with Pre-Columbian artifacts and I pray I did well with these! Any opinions would be of utmost appreciation!

 

I might also add both horses are missing an ear and there is red clay underneath the first horses missing ear and a sort of dark tan underneath the second horses missing ear. Also, horse and rider #1 had a hand glued back on and #2 is missing an arm? Looks too short to have been made that way. That guy appears to have been holding a spear at one point as well, but I could be wrong.

 

Welcome to the forum wolfcreekgal. No expert here, but from what I do know is there are probably more reproductions out there then authentic Tang Horses. That is not to say yours are repos. Very difficult to tell with photos. Thermoluminescence testing will be the only confirmation you can bank on. I personally own several and while I can be sure of a few repos I own, the others are still up in the air. Here is a reputable website link for Chinese antiques that might give you good insight.
https://gotheborg.com/qa/tang.shtml

They are very nice and will display the same. Crossing fingers you did good.

 

Thanks mmarco! I already did the water, peroxide and acetone tests in inconspicuous tiny areas. The manganese fizzes up and the paint does not come off. Water immediately dissipates and leaves a dark spot for several minutes. I think I'm good to go!

 

I think the arm is there just bend with sleeve over arm so only hand shows.

 

Yes Lark, the little fellow DOES have an arm! I looked again after seeing your post. I might add that I was doing research on them today and looked carefully with a flashlight at the inside of them. They are really clean looking to me. Could someone have washed them out? Shouldn't they have dirt, cob webs or something?

 

Also, I would greatly appreciate it if someone here could tell me if it would be worth TL testing them. I am well aware there a lot of fakes out there and very good ones too. I don't want to invest any more in these if there is any indication they are forgeries. Thanks again!

 

IMO, unless you are intending to sell, the TL test probably won't get you the bang for your buck. That said if you intent to sell, if a repo, you stand to lose but if authentic you may fair very well. Its a gamble. Currently the demand for Tang Horses are not what they were, probably due to the over saturation from China excavating everywhere and reproductions galore. Further, if you intend to add them to your collection, if authentic the true value should hold or better moving forward, with or without the test. Just a few thoughts...

 

Thanks again, Marco! I do plan to sell them once I verify they are genuine. No way would I spend that kind of money on myself!

 

You may want to reach out to a local museum or College/University historical dept to get a eyes on opinion before going TL. Send emails with HD photos to reputable multiple auction houses for input. Most have more experience with this item.

Good Luck

 

I truly appreciate all of your input! I sent pics to Christie's, but never thought of a College. Great idea!

 

Well, I found out they are almost definitely musicians from the period of the rule of Wu Zetian (690-705 A.D.), the only empress China ever had. I'm reading all about her now!