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Phoenix headed ewer

late 7th–first half of the 8th century
Not on view
The shape of either Western Asian or Central Asian metalwork could have provided the model for this Tang-dynasty earthenware ewer. However, the attachment of its elongated handle to the mouth rim rather than the body indicates a Central Asian—specifically, Sogdian—prototype. The mounted archer shooting over his shoulder, the so-called "Parthian shot," can be found in the Western ornamental lexicon.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 唐 三彩陶鳯頭壶
  • Title: Phoenix headed ewer
  • Period: Tang dynasty (618–907)
  • Date: late 7th–first half of the 8th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Earthenware with colored glaze (sancai ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 12 3/4 in. (32.5 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Gift of Stanley Herzman, in memory of Adele Herzman, 1991
  • Object Number: 1991.253.4
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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