Two Straw-Glazed Pottery Figures of Court, Sui-Tang dynasty

Two standing court figures modeled in pottery with slender proportions and simplified facial features. A thin straw-toned glaze is applied over the surfaces, with areas of exposed buff clay and traces of red pigment preserved along the edges of the garments.

The left figure wears a high chignon and stands with both hands clasped in front, while the right figure wears a tall official cap and holds one arm across the chest. The folds of the robes are rendered with shallow lines, and the lower section of the left figure is hollow, retaining an open vent at the base. Overall surface wear and condition are consistent with age and burial conditions.

Date : Sui-Tang Dynasty
Type : Straw-glazed pottery figure
Dimension : Lef - 24cm (Height) x 5cm (Diameter) / Right - 27cm (Height) x 7cm (Diameter) 
Condition : Good
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong


* Sui-Tang Dynasty Straw-glazed Earthenware (581–907 CE)

Straw-glazed earthenware from the Sui and Tang dynasties (581–907 CE) is characterized by a pale yellow, off-white, or greenish glaze fired at a low temperature. This type of glaze, known as straw glaze, contains minimal iron content, resulting in a soft, natural hue with a subtle sheen rather than a glossy surface. It was commonly used for mingqi (明器)—funerary objects placed in tombs—as well as for practical vessels.

During this period, the influence of foreign cultures through the Silk Road is evident in the design of straw-glazed ceramics, particularly in figurines representing warriors, attendants, and animals. These pieces reflect the cosmopolitan nature of the Tang Dynasty, incorporating elements of Central Asian and nomadic attire. As tomb objects, they symbolized the deceased’s status and authority in the afterlife.

While technically simpler than Tang Sancai (唐三彩, three-colored ware), straw-glazed ceramics exhibit elegant curves and refined craftsmanship, making them an important representation of the artistic sophistication of the era.