A Sancai-Glazed Pottery Figure of Guardian Mingqi, Tang Dynasty(7-8th century)

A standing figure in elongated form wearing traditional garments. The figure's stern and resolute expression symbolizes its role as a guardian of the soul in the afterlife. The figure is holding an object in its hand, though its specific details are unclear, it likely symbolizes the guardian's protective or ceremonial role.

The sancai glaze is characterized by the use of yellow and green. Though some of the glaze has worn away over time, the intricate folds of the clothing and detailed craftsmanship remain visible, showcasing the skill of Tang-era ceramic artisans. The flowing texture created by the glaze is a hallmark of sancai pottery.

Date : Tang Dynasty(7-8th century)
Type : Sancai-glazed pottery figure
Dimension : 38cm (Height) x 7cm (Diameter)
Condition : Good
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference : 
1) Musée Cernuschi - Numéro d’inventaire: M.C. 8358 - Mingqi - "Barbare"
(Type : Closely related)
https://www.parismuseescollections.paris.fr/zh-hans/node/183873#infos-principales

2) Luoyang Museum - 唐代彩绘牵马胡俑
(Type : Highly related)
https://www.huitu.com/photo/show/20170625/202202743020.html

* San-cai

Tang Sancai glazed pottery refers to a type of Chinese ceramic that became famous during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). "Sancai" translates to "three colors," which typically are brown, green, and cream or white. Occasionally, blue was also used. These colors were achieved through the use of metallic oxides in the glaze, which, when fired at high temperatures, produced vivid colors that have retained their brilliance over centuries.

The art of Sancai pottery is characterized by its decorative and functional purposes. It includes items such as figurines, vessels, and architectural elements. Tang Sancai ceramics were often used as burial items, intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. The pieces frequently featured images of people, animals, and mythical creatures, reflecting the Tang Dynasty's cosmopolitan culture and the religious and mythological beliefs of the time.

The distinct look of Sancai comes from the way the glazes melt and run together, creating a flowing effect that makes each piece unique. This pottery is a valuable part of China's cultural heritage and provides insight into the sophisticated ceramic technology of the Tang Dynasty.