Pair of Mounted Soldiers, Western Han Dynasty, 2nd-1st century BCE. Painted earthenware. These two mounted soldiers and their alert steeds undoubtedly once formed part of a cavalcade or honor guard created to accompany some dignitary in the afterlife.  The figures are well, if simply, modeled and deftly painted in a manner that makes them appear surprisingly lifelike. The painted colors in these pieces are remarkably well preserved, and even finely delineated details, like the horses' bridles and martingales, are still intact. For further information, please request a copy of the Collection's catalog, "GLIMPSES OF IMMORTALITY, Early Chinese Art from the Pamplin Collection."