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Curiosa

Sancai-style glazed ceramic horse figurine

Ceramic Tang-style horse with green and amber glazes stands on a light base, showing crackled glaze texture.

Estimated value

$100 - $350

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Ceramics & Pottery

Era

mid to late 20th century

Origin

China

Authenticity

Low(15%)
14

SANCAI-STYLE GLAZED CERAMIC HORSE FIGURINE: IDENTIFICATION

A ceramic horse figure standing on a rectangular plinth, decorated in the Sancai (three-color) lead-glaze tradition utilizing copper-green, iron-amber, and cream tones. The earthenware body features a visible crackle pattern (crazing) across the green glazed areas, with the glaze stopping short of the hooves and base in typical Tang-style fashion. The horse displays a cropped mane, elaborate saddle with stirrups, and a docked tail characteristic of Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) equine funerary art.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Tang Dynasty China8th Century

Mingqi figures provided the deceased with status symbols for the afterlife.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Burial practices involving the placement of ceramic retinues in elite tombs to ensure comfort in the spiritual realm

Meaning Through Time

700 AD

Votive object and vessel for the soul's prestige

1920 AD - Present

Chinoiserie decorative object and symbol of the 'Silk Road' aesthetic

PRODUCTION & FIRING

The Sancai tradition flourished during the Chinese Tang Dynasty, specifically between 680 and 750 AD, primarily for mingqi (burial goods). Horses were symbols of power and status, representing the 'heavenly horses' imported from Ferghana. Following the 1905 discovery of Tang tombs during railway ...
The Sancai tradition flourished during the Chinese Tang Dynasty, specifically between 680 and 750 AD, primarily for mingqi (burial goods). Horses were symbols of power and status, representing the 'heavenly horses' imported from Ferghana. Following the 1905 discovery of Tang tombs during railway construction, a massive production of replicas and revivals emerged in the early 20th century to satisfy international demand.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Uniformity of crazing suggests chemical acceleration rather than natural aging
  • Pristine condition of the unglazed clay base lacks typical mineral encrustation found on excavated mingqi
  • High prevalence of 20th-century decorative replicas in this specific Sancai palette

Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.

How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Ceramics Historian & Kiln Specialist

Ceramics Expert

The form and glaze are well-executed but align perfectly with high-quality 20th-century decorative pieces rather than the rare 8th-century originals sold by Sotheby's or Christie's for six figures.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Sancai lead-glaze palette (green, amber, cream) is consistent with 20th-century revivals.
  • 2The body is likely a buff earthenware paste fired at approximately 800-900 degrees Celsius.
  • 3Glaze dripping/pooling patterns are characteristic of the dipping technique used in Luoyang-style workshops.
  • 4Lack of 'silvering' or iridization often seen on authentic excavated lead glazes.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The glaze flaking on the hoof reveals a very clean, white body underneath, lacking the staining expected from burial.
  • •Intentional 'damage' or wear looks surface-level and avoids high-relief areas.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Examine the interior through the venting hole under the belly for modern slip-casting marks.
  • →Conduct a TL (Thermoluminescence) test to determine exact firing age.
  • →Perform a UV light scan to check if the crazing has been 'inked' to enhance visibility.

CONDITION & GRADE

Good

Grading breakdown

Structural integrity is maintained, though surface abrasions and glaze flaking at the extremities reduce the grade from 'Fine'.

Condition

Significant glaze loss is visible on the forward-left hoof and the upper edges of the mane. The crazing appears consistent with intentional decorative 'archaising' rather than natural centuries-long degradation.

Weight & feel

Estimated weight 1.5 to 2.5 kg; the figure likely has a hollow-cast interior with thick earthenware walls providing a substantial hand-feel.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$100 - $350

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Interior designers and collectors of Asian decorative arts looking for the 'Silk Road' aesthetic without the museum price tag.

What increases value

  • •Vibrancy of the green glaze
  • •Scale of the figure (larger sizes command higher premiums)
  • •Quality of the sculpting in the saddle and musculature

What lowers value

  • •Visible chips on the hooves and mane
  • •Evidence of modern mold seams

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Presence of iridization (a silvery sheen from long-term burial)
  • •Original Tang Dynasty TL-test certification

Grade & condition

Completeness of the glaze, lack of structural repairs, and clarity of the crackle pattern.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandSells quickly
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For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

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