Tang Dynasty, 7th–9th century
Length: 23.5 cm
Height: 15 cm
Weight: 1.5 kg
A substantial Tang Dynasty sancai-glazed tripod censer, boldly modelled with a compressed globular body supported on three sculptural legs and rising to a short neck with an everted rim. The vessel is covered in a lively three-colour glaze dominated by rich green and amber-brown tones over a creamy earthenware ground, producing the spontaneous streaking and mottled effects for which Tang sancai ceramics are particularly admired.
The rounded body is divided by a raised horizontal band, while the shoulder is decorated with freely applied splashes and scrolling areas of green and amber glaze. The glaze gathers and flows irregularly across the surface, creating considerable variation in colour and texture. The three legs are partly left unglazed, revealing the pale earthenware body beneath and providing a striking contrast with the saturated glaze above.
Its broad proportions and strongly modelled feet give the censer a particularly sculptural presence. Tang sancai wares are among the most distinctive achievements of early Chinese lead-glazed ceramics, celebrated for their vivid palette, fluid glaze effects and confident forms.
Scientific analysis: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 5 January 2026, based on sample number C125s37, dated the two samples taken from the piece to between approximately 900 and 1,500 years ago, consistent with the proposed Tang Dynasty dating. A copy of the report accompanies the piece.
Provenance:
Alan and Simone Hartman, New York.
Condition: Very good overall, with old wear and firing irregularities including small firing cracks and glaze recesses. A few minute chips and minor glaze flaking are present. Two small drilled sample holes from thermoluminescence testing have been filled.
Tang Dynasty, 7th–9th century
Length: 23.5 cm
Height: 15 cm
Weight: 1.5 kg
A substantial Tang Dynasty sancai-glazed tripod censer, boldly modelled with a compressed globular body supported on three sculptural legs and rising to a short neck with an everted rim. The vessel is covered in a lively three-colour glaze dominated by rich green and amber-brown tones over a creamy earthenware ground, producing the spontaneous streaking and mottled effects for which Tang sancai ceramics are particularly admired.
The rounded body is divided by a raised horizontal band, while the shoulder is decorated with freely applied splashes and scrolling areas of green and amber glaze. The glaze gathers and flows irregularly across the surface, creating considerable variation in colour and texture. The three legs are partly left unglazed, revealing the pale earthenware body beneath and providing a striking contrast with the saturated glaze above.
Its broad proportions and strongly modelled feet give the censer a particularly sculptural presence. Tang sancai wares are among the most distinctive achievements of early Chinese lead-glazed ceramics, celebrated for their vivid palette, fluid glaze effects and confident forms.
Scientific analysis: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 5 January 2026, based on sample number C125s37, dated the two samples taken from the piece to between approximately 900 and 1,500 years ago, consistent with the proposed Tang Dynasty dating. A copy of the report accompanies the piece.
Provenance:
Alan and Simone Hartman, New York.
Condition: Very good overall, with old wear and firing irregularities including small firing cracks and glaze recesses. A few minute chips and minor glaze flaking are present. Two small drilled sample holes from thermoluminescence testing have been filled.
