T'ang Terracotta Horseman
Artifact ID1967.29.2
Object Type
Figurine
Gifter
Chiang Kai-Shek
Gifter
Chiang May-ling Soong
Date
800AD
Date GiftedMay 9, 1967
Medium
Ceramic, terracotta, glaze
DimensionsOverall (part 2) H 16 in x W 13 3/4 in x D 4 in (40.6 cm x 34.9 cm x 10.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionTerra-cotta horse and rider, one of a pair from a T'ang Dynasty excavation. Rider dressed in green, with gray hair/headdress and holding a green bird. Seated on a gold-colored horse with a saddle roll and a colorful saddle blanket.
Historical NoteThis is one of a pair of terracotta figures given to President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson from His Excellency Chiang Kai-shek, President of the Republic of China, and Madame Chiang Kai-Shek on May 9, 1967, during a visit to the United States by Vice-President Yen Chia-Kan. The two figures of men on horseback belong to the period of the T’ang Dynasty (circa A.D. 800). It was customary in that period to deposit cherished possessions in the tombs of high dignitaries when they were buried, and these two figurines were used for that purpose. They were excavated at a village near Xi’an, capital of the Shaanxi Province.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item was a gift from a foreign official to President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson during the Johnson administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives on January 1969 for deposit with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 189698376)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Historical Dates
- May 9, 1967
On view
Place Gifted
Place of Credit