Sancai-glazed ridge tile of Equestrian Figure

CultureChinese

OriginChina

PeriodMing Dynasty (1368-1644)

Date15th-16th Century

MediumEarthenware with glazes

DimensionsOverall: 33 × 26.7 × 11.4 cm (13 × 10 1/2 × 4 1/2 in.)

DescriptionThis object is an example of a Chinese ceramic tradition that flourished for more than a thousand years from the 7th century to the 17th century CE. The Chinese name for this tradition is sancai, which literally means “three colours.” The name derives from the green, gold/brown and blue glazes that dominate the decoration of these ceramics. The sancai tradition began in the Tang dynasty (618-906). At that time, the brightly coloured lead glazes were mainly used to decorate vessels and sculptures for use as tomb furnishings.
The roof sculpture would have decorated the central ridge of the roof on a Buddhist temple building. The sculpture depicts a warrior mounted on horseback and was probably intended to protect the building from evil influences. Sculptures of equestrian figures were also used as tomb furnishings, so this piece actually connects the two major dimensions of the sancai tradition.

Credit LineCollection of Ann Walker Bell

Object numberG10.4.1

Classifications

Asian Ceramics

Sub-classification

Chinese Earthenware

Collections

Status

Not on view