Tang Tri-colored Glazed Potteries

Tang tri-colored glazed potteries, known as a shining treasure among ancient Chinese pottery, originated in Tang Dynasty (618AD —907AD). People have found a variety of tri-colored glazed figurines in many tombs of the Tang Dynasty, the most popular ones of which were horse, pillow, cameral and lady. Mainly has the three-color glaze, yellow, green and brown, hence it got the name.

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.


Tang Sancai Ceramics

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Cultural Background

At that time, women enjoyed unparalleled freedom. Judging from the potteries and pictures, most of the Tang women wore sexy wide-collared skirts or thin-layered silk robes making their chests half-naked. Plumpness was not in fashion in Tang Dynasty until the ascendance of Yang Yuhuan who captivated the emperor and became an imperial concubine. Although her figure is a little bit fat by today's standards, she became the sexy idol of that time. The imperial concubine Yang Yuhuan really is an extravagant person. Following her style, lavishness became the rule of fashion. Officials in Tang Dynasty advocated luxury funeral, Tang Tri-colored Glazed Potteries, as a kind of burial object, were widely popular at that time.

Tang people were open-minded and glad to accept exotic cultures from all over the world. Foreign traders, missionaries, diplomats, and artists traveled thousands of miles along the Silk Road to visit the Tang's capital city Chang'an. The trace of melting of multiple cultures can be found in Tang Tri-colored Glazed Potteries.


Tang Tri-colored Glazed Potteries

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Production Areas

Tri-colored glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty was mostly produced in Xi'an, Luoyang and Yangzhou, which were important cities along the Silk Road.