Sancai-glazed White Earthenware Ewer

Tang dynasty, 8th century

The striking amber, cream and green sancai-glaze on this unusual ewer is complemented by the crisp applied decorations on its ovoid body. Four large leafy quatrefoils are interspersed with palmettes, rosettes and smaller quatrefoils. These would have been made in moulds and applied individually to the vessel to form the rich surface decoration.