Green glazed earthenware gourd used by nomadic horsemen, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907)

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Description

Green-glazed earthenware Bianhu flask of a nomadic horseman, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907). This piece, made

of monochrome green glazed … Read more Green-glazed earthenware Bianhu flask of a nomadic horseman, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907). This piece, made

of monochrome green glazed earthenware
, evokes a nomadic horseman's flask, sculpted with details imitating leather.
The suspension handles (ears) feature small perforated tabs on the edges.
These were used to thread leather straps or cords to suspend the flask from the horse's flank or the rider's belt.


The glaze is emerald green (obtained using copper oxide).
The slightly patinated, iridescent, and earthy appearance of the surface is due to the natural chemical alteration of the lead in the glaze after centuries of burial in a tomb.

This piece is a magnificent testament to the cultural synthesis characteristic of Tang art, blending utilitarian nomadic leather forms with the mastery of Chinese ceramics.
Revealing the flourishing trade that took place during the Tang Dynasty.

Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 7.5 cm.
Minor chips to the neck.
No restoration has been carried out (tested by UV light and thermoluminescence). See less