--- title: "Chinese Sancai-Glazed Pottery 'Horse-Headed' Zodiac Figure, Tang Dynasty Style | Curiosa.com" description: "Pottery figure depicting a seated anthropomorphic creature with a horse's head and a human body dressed in wide-sleeved scholarly robes. The lead-based glazi..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Product", "name": "Chinese Sancai-Glazed Pottery 'Horse-Headed' Zodiac Figure, Tang Dynasty Style", "description": "Pottery figure depicting a seated anthropomorphic creature with a horse's head and a human body dressed in wide-sleeved scholarly robes. The lead-based glazing follows the traditional sancai (three-color) palette of amber and green with a straw-colored cream slip on the face. The horse head features articulated nostrils, a distinctively modeled mane, and bulging eyes consistent with Tang-period aesthetic conventions for equine figures.", "image": [ "https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/72ef1238-7e65-4973-ac60-36369ed4a21f/1-1778033996592.jpg" ], "category": "asian", "offers": { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "priceCurrency": "USD", "lowPrice": 1200, "highPrice": 5000, "availability": "https://schema.org/LimitedAvailability" }, "brand": { "@type": "Person", "name": "nmvghfy" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://curiosa.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Archive", "item": "https://curiosa.com/archive" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Asian", "item": "https://curiosa.com/archive/asian" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Chinese Sancai-Glazed Pottery 'Horse-Headed' Zodiac Figure, Tang Dynasty Style" } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) Open menu [Curiosa ](/) [Home](/) [How it works](/how-it-works)[Leaderboard](/leaderboard)[Museum](/museum)[Pricing](/pricing) Art [Paintings](/archive/paintings)[Prints & posters](/archive/prints)[Photography](/archive/photography)[Asian art](/archive/asian)[Tribal & ethnographic](/archive/tribal)[Browse all categories](/archive) Design [Interior](/archive/interior)[Decorative objects](/archive/decorative)[Ceramics & pottery](/archive/ceramics)[Mechanical & industrial](/archive/mechanical)[Maps & globes](/archive/maps)[Musical instruments](/archive/music)[Browse all categories](/archive) Jewelry & watches [Jewelry](/archive/jewelry)[Watches](/archive/watches)[Gemstones](/archive/gemstones)[Browse all categories](/archive) Collectibles [Trading cards](/archive/trading-cards)[Memorabilia](/archive/memorabilia)[Rare coins & currency](/archive/coins)[Stamps](/archive/stamps)[Comic books & graphic novels](/archive/comics)[Vinyl records](/archive/vinyl)[Browse all categories](/archive) Antiques & curiosities [Antiques](/archive/antiques)[Historical relics](/archive/relics)[Fossils](/archive/fossils)[Science & curiosities](/archive/science)[Folklore & occult](/archive/folklore)[Militaria](/archive/militaria)[Religious & devotional](/archive/religious)[Browse all categories](/archive) [Sign In](/auth)[Try a scan](/scan) # Chinese Sancai-Glazed Pottery 'Horse-Headed' Zodiac Figure, Tang Dynasty Style ![A Chinese sancai-glazed pottery figure of a horse-headed zodiac spirit in green and amber robes, seated on a square base.](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/72ef1238-7e65-4973-ac60-36369ed4a21f/1-1778033996592.jpg) Estimated value $1,200 - $5,000 Rarity Scarce(6/10) Category [Asian Art](/archive/asian) Era Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) or later period reproduction Origin 🇨🇳 China Authenticity Uncertain (35%) 16 ## CHINESE SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY 'HORSE-HEADED' ZODIAC FIGURE, TANG DYNASTY STYLE: IDENTIFICATION Pottery figure depicting a seated anthropomorphic creature with a horse's head and a human body dressed in wide-sleeved scholarly robes. The lead-based glazing follows the traditional sancai (three-color) palette of amber and green with a straw-colored cream slip on the face. The horse head features articulated nostrils, a distinctively modeled mane, and bulging eyes consistent with Tang-period aesthetic conventions for equine figures. Compare with other Asian art pieces in the archive: [Chinese Archaistic Carved Jade Figure, Hongshan/Shang Style](https://curiosa.com/archive/asian/archaistic-chinese-style-carved-hardstone-figure), [Balinese Art Deco Wooden Sculpture of a Winged Celestial (Kinnari)](https://curiosa.com/archive/asian/balinese-art-deco-winged-celestial-figure), [Chinese Archaistic 'Taotie' and 'Chilong' Jade Pendant](https://curiosa.com/archive/asian/chinese-archaistic-hardstone-pendant). ## SCARCITY Scarce 80-90% Common Legendary Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces. Rarity 6/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 5 asian items at rarity 6 or higher. ### Typical Characteristics - Dozens per year at market - Documented provenance valued - Active collector pursuit ### AUTHENTICITY CONFIDENCE Uncertain (35% confidence) #### Confidence Factors - High prevalence of modern 20th-century reproductions of Tang sancai wares in the market. - Glaze sheen appears remarkably consistent for an excavated object without more pronounced degradation. - Tang-style figures are among the most frequently faked categories of Chinese antiquities due to their high demand. Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions. [How does authenticity detection work?](/fake-art-detection) ## ASIAN ART SCHOLAR'S TAKE Asian Art Specialist East Asian Art Expert The form and glaze application are highly consistent with Tang archetypes found in museum collections, but the high risk of expert forgeries in this specific category necessitates caution without physical laboratory testing. ### KEY EVIDENCE - 1 Sancai glaze combination of green (copper) and amber (iron) is stylistically accurate for the 8th century. - 2 The 'bulging eye' and 'flared nostril' modeling are diagnostic of Tang equine sculpture. - 3 Low-fired lead glaze exhibits the typical micro-crazing seen on aged earthenware. ### UNCERTAINTIES - • Lack of visible silvering or iridescent 'irisation' on the glaze surface often associated with long-term burial. - • Sharpness of the mold lines on the head may indicate a more recent production date. ### WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY - → Obtain a Thermoluminescence (TL) test from a lab like Oxford Authentication to confirm the last firing date. - → Examine the interior of the figure for modern slip-casting lines or fingerprints. - → Perform a microscopic examination of the glaze bubbles for signs of natural aging versus chemical distressing. COLLECTOR GLOSSARY (3 terms) ## CONDITION & GRADE ### Grading breakdown Assessment of condition is based on surface preservation and glaze integrity; however, professional TL testing is required to confirm age. ### Condition Slight glaze abrasions and pitting visible on the knees; the base shows exposed reddish earthenware body consistent with Tang period materials. ## ASIAN ART VALUATION $1,200 - $5,000 Updated: May 11, 2026 How we estimate value ### Who buys this Collectors of early Chinese ceramics and specialists in Mingqi tomb figures; occasionally sought by zodiac-themed collectors. ### What increases value - • Authenticity confirmed by TL testing - • Completeness of the original set (1 of 12) - • Vibrancy of the green and amber glazes ### What lowers value - • Modern reproduction status (drops value to under $200) - • Extensive restoration to the neck area which is common in excavated pieces - • Presence of synthetic pigments in the glaze ### What makes top-tier examples - • Traces of iridescence (silvering) on the glaze surface - • Refined, non-static carving of the horse's mane and facial features - • Documented provenance from an old 20th-century collection ### Grade & condition Condition is determined by the percentage of original glaze remaining and the absence of structural repairs to the fragile neck and base. ### Rarity & demand Scarce Moderate demand Moderate liquidity [Browse similar asian objects](/archive/asian) For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal. ## FROM THE CABINET OF [NM ](/cabinet/nmvghfy) [ ### nmvghfy ](/cabinet/nmvghfy) Wonderseeker • 1 item [View Full Cabinet](/cabinet/nmvghfy) ### COMMENTS No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts! Sign in to leave a comment [Sign In](/auth) ## SIMILAR CURIOSITIES [ ![Blue and White Ewer with Xuande Reign Mark](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/052e9053-7b75-4181-b157-29c2217a322f/3-1778074665139.jpg) 6 ### Blue and White Ewer with Xuande Reign Mark ](/archive/asian/chinese-blue-and-white-ewer-with-apocryphal-xuande-mark)[ ![Chinese Blue and White 'Dragon' Bowl with Kangxi Mark](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/9d39eed8-01dd-499a-9ef6-04585158b587/1-1778000913982.jpg) 6 ### Chinese Blue and White 'Dragon' Bowl with Kangxi Mark ](/archive/asian/modern-reproduction-of-a-kangxi-zhonghe-tang-blue-and-white-dragon-bowl)[ ![Fencai Enameled Porcelain 'Prunus and Lingzhi' Bowl](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/7d940e36-5a92-4e5f-a003-c4b9e1630030/1-1778001182758.jpg) 6 ### Fencai Enameled Porcelain 'Prunus and Lingzhi' Bowl ](/archive/asian/reproduction-chinese-falangcai-style-kangxi-bowl)[ ![Japanese Lacquer Inrō with Dragonfly and Insect Motif](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/ff5db914-ae15-4a16-b7a7-b61c741ea110/1-1769337990000.jpg) 6 ### Japanese Lacquer Inrō with Dragonfly and Insect Motif ](/archive/asian/japanese-lacquer-inro-with-insect-motif)[ ![Japanese Lacquer 'Magic Wealth Mallet' (Uchide-no-kozuchi)](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/ff5db914-ae15-4a16-b7a7-b61c741ea110/1-1769339269271.jpg) 5 ### Japanese Lacquer 'Magic Wealth Mallet' (Uchide-no-kozuchi) ](/archive/asian/japanese-uchide-no-kozuchi-daikokutens-mallet)[ ![Chinese Jade Merit Book - Guanyin Bodhisattva with Heart Sutra Inscriptions](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/9b35e4b2-5e8c-4ff5-bab2-c03ce30cfb00/1-1777976555238.jpg) 5 ### Chinese Jade Merit Book - Guanyin Bodhisattva with Heart Sutra Inscriptions ](/archive/asian/chinese-buddhist-sutra-folding-album-yuce-style) [View all asian](/archive/asian) ### ABOUT ASIAN ART Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other Asian art and antiques. [Asian Art value and rarity guide](/archive/asian) ## SHARE THIS CURIOSITY XWhatsAppEmailPinterestTelegramDiscordSignalCopy Link Have your own curiosities to discover? [Scan Your Curiosity](/scan) 1. [Home ](/) 2. [Archive](/archive) 3. [Asian](/archive/asian) 4. Chinese Sancai-Glazed Pottery 'Horse-Headed' Zodiac Figure, Tang Dynasty Style [ C CURIOSA ](/) Uncover value, meaning, and story. [X](https://x.com/Curiosa_app)[Instagram](https://instagram.com/curiosa.app)[TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosa.app) Explore - [How it works](/how-it-works) - [Scan Tips](/scan-tips) - [Archive Gallery](/archive) - [Brands](/brands) - [Artists](/artists) - [Museum](/museum) - [Leaderboard](/leaderboard) - [Rarity Score](/rarity) - [Collector Tiers](/collector-tiers) Use Cases - [Fake Art Detection](/fake-art-detection) - [Provenance Gap Detection](/provenance-gap-detection) - [Period Plausibility Analysis](/period-plausibility-analysis) - [Insurance Readiness](/insurance-readiness) - [Inheritance Evaluation](/inheritance-appraisals) - [City Curiosity Guide](/city-curiosity-guide) - [Art & Collectible Appraisal](/art-appraisal) - [Is It Real?](/is-it-real) - [Install App](/app) Company & Support - [About](/about) - [Pricing](/pricing) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Contact](/contact) - [Feature Request](/feature-request) - [Bug Report](/bug-report) Legal - [Our Privacy Promise](/privacy-promise) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy) - [Terms of Service](/terms) - [Disclaimer](/disclaimer) - [Return policy](/return-policy) Join the Cabinet Get weekly curiosities, collecting tips, and exclusive finds. Subscribe EU Data Protection • GDPR Compliant • No Third-Party Sharing © 2026 Curiosa. All rights reserved.