Large Chinese sancai, three-colour glazed pottery standing figure of a civil official, his hands clasped at the front, wearing long flowing robes with three-colour splashed breast plate and cuffs, rich chestnut jacket, with white glazed skirt having traces of oxidisation, the detailed face and official hat unglazed.
Date : Tang Dynasty(7-8th c)
Type : sancai-glazed pottery figure
Dimension : 74cm (Height)
Condition : Good
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) British Museum - Museum number 1936,1012.221
(Type : Closely related)
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1936-1012-221
2) Christies New York 13 SEP 2019 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art
(Price realised : 13,750 USD / Type : Closely related)
https://www.christies.com/lot/a-large-sancai-glazed-pottery-figure-of-an-6220477/?intObjectID=6220477&lid=1
3) Art Institute Chicago - Reference Number 1991.299.2
(Type : Closely related)
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/117579/standing-official
4) Art Gallery NSW - Accession number 2102
(Type : Closely related)
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/2102/
* 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.
