Horses are a representative form of Tang sancai (Three-color Glazed) figurines.
With its right front leg raised high and its muscular hind legs bracing, the horse steps out with its mouth open and a powerful expression.
The horse’s face, lower neck, abdomen, and thighs are finished with black glaze, and its brown glaze eyes shine.
The distinct mane that flows along the line of its neck is rendered in white glaze, through which majestic brown glaze ears peek out.
The figurines are equipped with a saddle and bridle, and are adorned with decorative fittings throughout, making them extremely luxurious.
Of particular note is the monkey design attached to its rump.
A sancai horse decorated with such a monkey design is unique.
Monkeys are worshipped as guardian deities of horses, and are thought to have been introduced to China from India.
This belief in protecting horses, an essential part of life, has been passed down to Japan in a slightly modified form, and is still practiced today in the stable monkey faith.
The monkey is covered in brown glaze and has fine fur, teeth, and a glaring expression.
There are six horses attached, all of which are decorated with gorgeous brown and green Hosso flower motifs on top.
A saddle is placed on top of the lower saddle on the horse’s back, with stirrups at its sides and a blanket saddlecover draped over the saddle.
The upper saddle and lower saddle are covered in a speckled brown and green glaze, and the saddlecover is also covered in brown glaze.
The horses are wearing white bridles and are adorned with small floral cord ornaments also covered in brown glaze.
Their tails are white and decorated with green glaze.
| Title | Three-color Glazed Pottery Horse With Monkey (Sancai Horse) |
|---|---|
| Period | Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) |
| Culture | China |
| Area/Kiln | Chang’an or Luoyang |
| Dimensions | H. 16 3/4 in. ; W. 7 11/16 – 20 1/8 in. |
| Classification | Pottery |
| Glaze | Three-color Glazed |
| owner | WD Collection |
| Number | 000160 |
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For Tang Dynasty sancai pottery, please see this page.
Sorry, this page is currently being translated into English. 唐三彩は中国の唐代に焼かれた三色の釉からなる彩色陶。 金属を用いた釉薬により緑・赤褐色・藍色・紫といった鮮やかな色が特徴です。 ラクダや馬、人物といった他の中国陶磁ではなか...
