problems authenticateing tang horse and-

by DeWayne K
(Troy Ohio)

Guys,I have tang dynasty horse that came back from the fare east off a naval ship with my grandfather years ago. Use to have two of them. But anyhow,how can I get the rest of the decorative gold pieces off that haven't already fallen off over all these years without trashing it. I'd like to keep the saddle as is because its beautiful. And I do know with what I have to do with a couple of my most loved items to try to get a very much needed medical procedure done is to get my tang and song dynasty items tested I guess. And I haven't a clue about wear and how and not only that I am in not so good a shape in another way to,in order to pay for the testing.I know years ago when I ended up with all the collection my dad had them somewhere and they were said to be authentic,but now days in order to do what has to be done to give me a chance to live a somewhat quality life people want the thermo-testing done,and I know I would not buy a piece like these with out the test either. But I can't afford my medicines let alone having test samples taken @ tested. I hope some one can point me in the right direction to get me started. I run out of energy pretty much faster now days. I'm open to any suggestions. Here are a few photos.I'll slip one in of a serim-jar to. I really would like to get a few of the spear guards off the horse to like I said. But its so old,even though its in exlent shape I just can't soak it or damage it. Anyhow if you have any ideas,I'm open for some hope. Thanks---DeWayne

a few more photos

by DeWayne K
(sidney,ohio)

A few more pics of the damage with the very thin metal I'm having the prob- with plus I want to see if I could get a close period for the fresh water tea ceremony jar I have a feeling its much more early than I thought and not only that,it may be japanese. Iv been studying so much on this piece I'm lost.I think its song and if its not then I hope its not.then it may be jap- I know it has to be way before meiji like at least 6 maybe 700 years sooner. Maybe I'm looseing my mind,for a while I was thinking from ship wreck.I'm sure its organic glaze though .well here's a few more pics.