Tang Tri-colored Glazed Pottery
A type of glazed pottery with the dominant colors of yellow, brown
and green was very popular in the Tang
Dynasty (618-907). It was later called the tri-colored
glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty, or Tangsancai
.
The Tang
tri-colored glazed pottery is a low-melting glazed pottery. It was made by
adding metallic oxides to the colored glaze and calcining the object to create
different colors, namely the predominant yellow, brown and green. The chemicals
in the glaze change gradually in the firing process, creating a variegated
effect with a majestic and elegant artistic attraction. Tri-colored glazed
pottery was usually used as burial objects. Its loose and brittle base and its
low waterproofing properties meant it was not as practical as the blue
and white porcelain that had already emerged at the time.
Tri-colored glazed pottery utensils of the Tang were usually rounded and full
in shape in accordance with the aesthetic values of the time. The accurately
proportioned human and animal figures have fluid lines, natural expressions and
life-like movements. The soldier figures have strong muscles, big staring eyes
and wield swords or arrows. The female figures have high hair buns and full
sleeves; they stand gracefully erect, looking natural and elegant. The animal
figures are mainly of horses and camels.
A tri-colored glazed pottery of a camel and a dance group was unearthed in a
Tang general's tomb. The camel is brown and stands with its head raised high.
The long hairs on its head, chest, stomach and upper parts of its two front legs
were carefully executed. On the camel's back is a platform covered by a rug with
two ethnic musicians seated on it with their backs to each other playing
instruments. A third ethnic person dances between them. The three human figures
have deep eyes, high-bridged noses and full beards; they are wearing long, green
sweaters with turned-down collars and white boots. The figure in the front has a
deep yellow coat. This piece of pottery is truly an exquisite handicraft.
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