Three-color ware, or Sancai, was one of the greatest contributions of the Tang Dynasty. No other Dynasty before, and none since, have been so prolific in the development and production of this magnificent art form. Many Sancai figurines as well as animals (predominantly horses and camels) were produced. Sancai pieces have been found in many of the more affluent tombs of the Tang period.

Tang Sancai (or three colored ware) is a polychrome lead glazed decorated pottery. "Three-color" doesn't mean only three colors, but rather multicolored. Tang artists in China were experimenting greatly with the mixing of various shades of glaze. They seemed to share a fascination for the resulting color from these mixtures. This Three-color glaze technique grew out of the monochrome lead glazes used during the earlier Dynasties.

If there is a technical explanation of the term it might be that the colors actually are based on specifically three different oxides i.e. iron giving yellow to brown hues, copper giving green or occasionally brown colors and the rare cobalt for blue. The colors can occur as monochromes or together.

The Chinese used these vessels predominantly for three distinct purposes. They were used as funerary pieces buried in the tombs of perhaps a wealthy merchant, they were used in sacrificial worship and, finally, they were used in every day life.

As for the funerary pieces, keep in mind, the Chinese who were buried in tombs wanted to be surrounded by everything they might possibly want to have with them in the next life. This included everything from model houses, imitation mountains, and ox drawn carts to warriors, guardians, maidens, young girls, attendants, musicians and dancers.

They also included in these funerary pieces lions, tigers, goats, pigs, horses, and camels, to mention only a few of the many animal images retrieved from the tombs.

The types of pieces that we find having been involved with ceremonial offerings of sacrificial pieces tend to be alms bowls, incense burners, candlestick holders, bells and many other shaped bowls for various uses. The pieces we find for everyday use include ceramic pillows, wine vessels, food containers, jars, and boxes of all types. The greatest number of Sancai pieces has been found in tombs.

According to the archaeological data, SanCai pottery was first made in Tang-gaozong period and it reached its great prosperity in Kaiyuan period. During this period the potteries had high quality, splendid color and various styles, especially the SanCai human figurine. They had not only veracious body structure but also vivid expression. The amount decreased after Tianbao period.

The artistic model of Tang SanCai fully reflected the era character. The large number of Sancai figurines that were unearthed in Tang tombs explained the rich and generous funerals that prevailed at that time. Now, Tang SanCai is a world famous artistic gem of China!

The aesthetic value of the Sancai pieces far outweighs the practical value. It seems most major Chinese collectors find that they pride themselves in the Sancai pieces they've collected.

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