#580

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)
Medium: Painted pottery
Subject: Camel
Size: 9 ½” H x 12” L

A very expressive recumbent camel in red pottery

This is a finely molded terracotta recumbent camel with a strongly turned neck and head. Excellent detailing and expressive facial features make this a sculptural delight.

#584

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)
Medium: Painted pottery
Subject: Camel
Size: Camel with ride23” L, 19” H
Camel without rider 26” L, 17” H
TL Tested

A large and rare pair of recumbent camels

This pair of camels has finely carved details on the legs, head and humps.  The strong bearded foreign rider on the “bellowing” camel is also lively and detailed.  Note that the stomachs of the beasts do not touch the ground.  This is a feature seldom seen on recumbent figures.

#669

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)
Medium: Painted pottery
Subject: Camel
Size: 25” H

A beautifully modeled and finely proportioned camel standing four-square

This camel has excellent cut fur details, and an expressive face.

#726

Date: Northern Qi  (550-577 CE)
Medium: Pottery
Subject: Ox
Size: 13” high x 15 ½” long
TL tested

An unusually large and finely made “walking” ox with raised foreleg.

One may assume from the fine fittings covering the ox that this beast would have been used in ceremony rather than in normal work situations.

#1671

Date:  Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)
Medium:  Glazed Pottery
Subject:  Camel with pack

A finely glazed trumpeting camel

This rare Sancai glazed camel also utilizes cobalt blue that indicates that its owner was to be of the nobility.  The excellent depth of this imported Persian color, as well as the technical control, are among the most desirable features of glazed Tang sculpture.  Historically, one should note that the Tang Dynasty was China’s earliest period to use blue glaze.

#1671

Date:  Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)
Size: 21” high x 18” long
Medium:  Glazed Pottery
Subject:  Camel with pack
TL tested

A finely glazed trumpeting camel

This rare Sancai glazed camel also utilizes cobalt blue that indicates that its owner was to be of the nobility.  The excellent depth of this imported Persian color, as well as the technical control, are among the most desirable features of glazed Tang sculpture.  Historically, one should note that the Tang Dynasty was China’s earliest period to use blue glaze.