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A work made of earthenware with three-color (sancai) lead glazes.

Vessel in Form of a Bird

Tang dynasty (618–907), first half of 8th century

China

China

This bird-shaped clay vessel features naturalistic wing and tail feathers but decorative scrollwork along the neck and body. It is painted with lead-based three-color (sancai) glazes that were commonly used during the Tang dynasty. The bird may be either a mandarin duck or a wild goose; both traditionally symbolized peace, prosperity, and marital love.

Earthenware with three-color (sancai) lead glazes

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia 100