Sancai Glazed Horse/Tang Dynasty

The Tang Sancai Glazed Horse is an authentic funerary sculpture from the Tang dynasty, created during the seventh or eighth century to accompany a member of the elite into the eternal repose of the tomb. Verity Antique presents this extraordinary mingqi not merely as a ceramic figure but as a vessel of profound cultural faith-a belief that beauty, status and even mobility could transcend death itself. Upon this noble equine form, the Tang potter achieved what no northern celadon nor southern greenware had ever attempted: the complete surrender of ceramic decoration to the will of the fire. The lead-fluxed glazes, compounded from metallic oxides of iron and copper, liquified in the kiln's embrace and flowed across the earthenware body like molten rivers, their amber and emerald currents merging into creamy eddies in a unique and unrepeatable fusion. No two faces of this horse are identical; no sancai horse in any collection anywhere bears precisely the same glaze map. This is the signature of Tang ceramic genius-the conscious embrace of kiln-transformed spontaneity, the elevation of beautiful accident to deliberate aesthetic principle. The horse itself is rendered with the keen observational intelligence that distinguishes Tang animal sculpture from all that preceded it. This is no stylised guardian beast but a specific creature-well-bred, well-fed, alert-its turned head suggesting both vigilance and the living intelligence that its noble owner trusted would accompany him across the final frontier.

This sculpture perfectly embodies the confidence, international vision, and profound connection with nature and the spiritual world of the Tang dynasty people. The horse is depicted with meticulous detail, its robust physique and alert posture reflecting the Tang dynasty's reverence for the "heavenly horses" of Central Asia, which played a crucial role in the military and trade expansion of the empire. The horse's raised tail and turned head endow it with vivid vitality.

The three-color glaze is the soul of this sculpture. The dominant amber-brown symbolizes the earth and stability, the bright green represents life and vitality, while the milky-white glaze adds a sense of purity and symbolic value. The smooth and natural fusion of glazes reflects the Tang dynasty's ingenious aesthetic choices, celebrating the natural beauty and fortuitous effects of the kiln-firing process, and embodying the Tang pursuit of unrestrained and untamed beauty.

As a funerary object, this horse carries profound symbolic significance. It represents speed, strength, and the ability to travel-both in this life and the afterlife-ensuring that the deceased retains their status, power, and capacity for journeying in the next world. The combination of its robust form and striking colors serves not only as a vivid portrayal of an animal but also as a powerful vessel bearing auspicious meanings and social status.

A Striking Focal Point: Its commanding presence makes it perfect for a mantel, sideboard, or alcove, best appreciated with a simple base.

Infuses Spaces with History: Instantly adds historical depth and artistic resonance to studies, libraries, or modern living rooms, sparking conversation.

A Tang Dynasty Treasure: A museum-quality piece for collectors, distinguished by its vibrant, well-preserved sancai glaze and lively modeling.

Brought to Life by Light: Position it under warm, directional light. The glow deepens the amber, green, and white glaze, enhancing its sculptural form and vibrant surface.

Due to its fragile nature, this piece must be handled with extreme care. Tang sancai wares are low-fired earthenware, making them inherently porous and fragile. The glaze is also susceptible to flaking. Always support the body and base securely when handling, and avoid applying pressure to vulnerable protrusions such as the legs, ears, or tail. The ancient patina and glaze surface are both extremely delicate.

For dusting, use only a very soft, dry brush. Never use water, damp cloths, or any cleaning agents, as these can cause staining, introduce salts that damage the earthenware body, or cause irreversible harm to the ancient glaze.

The piece must be displayed in a stable, dry environment. Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can fade the vibrant lead-based glazes. Also protect it from vibrations and any sudden changes in temperature or humidity. As a fragile, archaeological-style artwork, it is intended for display only and must be shielded from physical contact or environmental stress.

Verity Antique acquired this exceptional Tang sancai horse from a distinguished British diplomatic estate, with provenance tracing to a Manchu noble family in late Qing Beijing. Archival records document its purchase in Peking in 1936 and subsequent museum exhibition for over three decades. The horse has been examined independently and confirmed as authentic Tang dynasty mingqi sculpture. Its condition is extraordinary-all four legs, ears and tail intact, the glazes vibrant with even period crazing, no restoration whatsoever. When you acquire this horse from Verity Antique, you become the next custodian of a thirteen-century legacy, receiving a work of authenticated rarity with complete provenance transparency. We provide the scholarship, the documentation and the absolute confidence that permits you to display this masterpiece not as decoration but as a testament to Tang genius-and to your own discerning judgment in recognising the authentic and the extraordinary.

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