Foreign groom

Of high status in the Tang dynasty, horse models in tombs were found either as single individuals, ridden by figures, or being attended by groom models (WW 1972.7: 15) as in this "portrait." The figure's hair is braided across the back of his head, and he wears boots and a tight-sleeved robe fixed with a belt. His hands are raised as if he is pulling on reins. The pose, hairdo, and costume seen here are all consistent with Tang groom figures unearthed in Shanxi (WW 1987.8: 45), Shaanxi (Li 1989: fig. 196), and Henan (KG 1986.5: 437). The statue corroborates the fact chronicled in historical records that foreigners were entrusted by the court to train horses.