Tang Sancai-Glazed Tripod Vessel

This ceramic tripod vessel is modeled in the form of ding– a bronze ritual vessel for cooked food with a round body and three legs made throughout the Shang, Zhou, Qin and Han period. By the Tang, the practice of replicating bronze ritual objects in ceramic had thrived, rejuvenated by technological advancements made in the production of ceramics. Sancai glazing developed into an art form under the Tang noted for some of the most exquisite tomb ware and ritual pieces. The globular shape of the belly, upright side handles, and wide-ridged mouth adhere to stylistic features of ding bronze ware. As characteristic of ceramic representations, this piece is intricately decorated in floral and animal motif. The body is surmounted on three legs formed by the gaping mouths of mystical creatures. All decoration emanates from the central floral image which contains a diamond shaped cut out. Curved stems and vines create a vivid design, linking the images of two mystical animals turned upward with mouth agape. Green and golden glaze cover the vessel with earth attached throughout.