Description
each depicting a raised and carved mounted figure of an Emperor and Empress wearing ornate headdress (Manchu morning crown surmounted by a pearl and a phoenix decorated helmet) dressed in full battle regalia, featuring traditional Tang suit (Tangzhuang), intricately carved and incised cloud banding and roundels adorned with either imperial Dragon (loong) or Empress Phoenix (Fenghuang) motifs on their robes, each figure is equipped with a sword in scabbard, crossbow and a quiver of arrows, the horses displaying a lappet and interlocking T banded collar, harness with reins, stirrups, saddle and fringed saddle blanket, each supported on slender legs and hoof feet. Both horses with open mouths are set on a rectangular-shaped ivory veneered platform base, with incised over sectional panels decorated with stylised incised lotus flowerheads issuing trailing naturalistic leafy tendrils, over a raised and carved gadrooned band and conforming decorated frieze, on a plinth base, each signed with the artist’s character marks on the underside (Emperor figure: 26 x 16.8 x 7.5cm) (Empress figure: 25.5 x 16.8 x 7.5cm) (Condition report: Minor splits to ivory evident)
