Sancai-glazed Lion-form Candlestick

CultureChinese

OriginChina

PeriodMing Dynasty (1368-1644)

Date15th-16th Century

MediumEarthenware with glazes

DimensionsOverall: 34.3 × 33 × 20.3 cm (13 1/2 × 13 × 8 in.)

DescriptionThis object is an example of a Chinese ceramic tradition that flourished for more than a thousand years from the 7th century to the 17th century CE. The Chinese name for this tradition is sancai, which literally means “three colours.” The name derives from the green, gold/brown and blue glazes that dominate the decoration of these ceramics. The sancai tradition began in the Tang dynasty (618-906). At that time, the brightly coloured lead glazes were mainly used to decorate vessels and sculptures for use as tomb furnishings.
he candlestick was likely one of a pair that would have been placed on an altar along with various offering vessels and incense burners. Lions often appeared in traditional Buddhist art and functioned as guardian figures and protectors of law and order. This lion is accompanied by a human figure, who is identifiable by his hairstyle and dress as someone from Central Asia. Buddhism came to China through Central Asia and Central Asians sometimes appear as conveyors of the religion in Chinese Buddhist art.

Credit LineCollection of Ann Walker Bell

Object numberG10.4.2

Classifications

Asian Ceramics

Sub-classification

Chinese Earthenware

Collections

Status

Not on view