Title
Figurine of horse
Year/Period
Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)
Region
China
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H53.0 x W46.6 x D18.0 cm
Accession No.
1994-00480
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of The Shaw Foundation
During the Han dynasty, pottery burial figures and objects were left undecorated or minimally painted with pigments. Barely noticeable, the pigments on this piece are now worn off, showing a bridle that was once painted in white.The practice of using lead-glazed burial wares had already started during the Han dynasty. This glaze technology further developed during the Tang dynasty (618-906) into ‘sancai’ (‘three-colour’) glaze. It included colours such as cream, amber, brown and blue. The glaze tradition continued into the Ming period.The custom was an ancient one. It is thought these wares were necessary to the deceased in the next world. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
