Tri-colored Glazed Pottery of the Tang Dynasty

唐三彩 '中华艺术瑰宝旅游工艺品中的灿烂明珠'

Tang Tri-Colored Glazed Enamel Pottery,Tang Sancai

The History of Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery Tang Dynasty

Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery Tang Dynasty was popular in Tang Dynasty. It had three basic colour which were yellow, brown and green, and therefore, it got its current name.

The various kinds of Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery

Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery has various kinds: people, animal, bowls, plates, alcohol container, furniture, house, etc; it is even used on bone ash containers.

The Major Producing Area of Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery

Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery can usually be found in Chang'an and Luoyang. The ones in Chang'an are called Xiyao; the ones in Luoyang are called Dongyao.

The Popular Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery

One of the most important products is Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery. It is loved and collected by people even now.

The unqiue feature of Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery

Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery is famous for its lifelike structures and bright colours.

The Character on Tri-coloured Glazed Pottery

Human figures, animals and daily-use tools can all be seen on Tri-colored Glazed Pottery Tang Dyansty.

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.

Figure

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.

The camel was the major form of transport on the ancient trade route during the Tang. From these gazed potteries, we can imagine the travelers and camels making their hard journey across the desert, depending on one another for survival. The large figures and camels' resolute expressions represent the hardships associated with traveling on the long road.

Production Area

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.

Influence

In China

Tri-colored glazed pottery is the crest of Tang pottery and it flourished during the dynasty's early and middle period. As the Tang gradually lost power and its porcelain-producing technology developed, tri-colored glazed pottery declined. Though tri-colored glazed pottery was also produced during the Liao (916-1125) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties, it was not made in such great quantity and its quality was not as good as that of the Tang.

In the World

Tri-colored glazed pottery was exported to foreign countries in the early Tang, winning great favor. It was always been famed for its bright colors and pleasing shapes. Tri-colored glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty is a shining pearl among ancient Chinese pottery.

As the tri-colored glazed pottery continued to improve through the centuries, now it has been developed even further and its varieties number several hundred. The once tri-colour glaze has expanded to include yellow, purple, black and blue and its artistic quality has also soared.

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