Minneapolis Institute of Art

Horse with sancai (“Three color”) glaze

China

Date

early 8th century

Medium

Earthenware with polychrome glaze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This horse comes from a group of 10 tomb figures and is glazed in sancai (“three-color”) ware, a technique first developed during the Northern Qi period (550–577 CE) and refined in the Tang. Sancai became especially popular in Tang China because its flowing tricolor glaze suited the empire’s cosmopolitan tastes and advancing ceramic technologies. While traditional sancai features amber, green, and cream glazes, this example is distinguished by its striking blue surface. Blue was difficult and costly to produce, requiring imported cobalt pigments, and appears far less frequently than other colors. Its vivid tone highlights the Tang dynasty’s technical ambition and cosmopolitan aesthetic, transforming this tomb figure into an exceptional expression of luxury and innovation. Asia

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