A CHINESE COLD PAINTED-BRONZE FIGURE OF DU FU ON A HORSE

A CHINESE COLD PAINTED-BRONZE FIGURE OF DU FU ON A HORSE
MING/EARLY QING DYNASTY

Cast in two sections, the base a horse fitted with a bridle and saddle and with its ears pricked, surmounted by a figure of Du Fu wearing a flowing robe and with his right arm bent at the elbow, 1.7kg, 24cm. (2)

Cf. Sotheby's London, The Property of H M Knight Esq., 12th May 1970, lot 24 for a related polychrome figure riding a mule.

Du Fu is considered to be the greatest of Chinese poets who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a golden age for Chinese poetry. His poetry was not only praised and enjoyed for its technical brilliance, but also for his moral engagement with current and historical events such as the devastating An Lushan rebellion (755-763). For this reason, Du Fu is also known as the 'Poet Historian'.

明/清早期 銅杜甫騎馬像

From the Finer Collection of later bronzes and hand warmers.