Craft:Chinese traditional handicraft with thousands of years history

Origin:Luoyang

Tang San Cai, also called Tricolor Glazed Pottery and a gem of ancient Chinese art, is a kind of handmade glazed ware of exquisite craftsmanship created in the Northern and Southern Dynasty (386-589) about 1,400 years ago. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the production of Tang San Cai reached its peak, which is part of the reason the pottery got the name of Tang San Cai.

Luoyang, named the eastern capital in ancient times, in Henan Province was the home of Tang San Cai, and most of unearthed Tang San Cai was found in Luoyang.

Tang San Cai is a polychrome handicraft with yellow, green, and white as its major tones. It is fired with lead glaze and presents a harmonious complex of varied colors, deep and light. The process is complicated: first, bake the ready mode in kilns until the temperature reaches 1,100oC, then take it out and apply glaze on it; bake it again in kilns at a temperature of about 900¡ãC.

Tang San Cai items that have been unearthed include horses, humans, and even pillows, and camels, of which the pottery camel is one of the best. Its head rises high, as if telling stories about merchant caravans along the Silk Road in the remote past and the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

Being the gem of ancient Chinese art, Tang San Cai absorbed the advantages of Chinese painting, sculpture and stone carving. It features fleshy figures, regular and exquisite technics, compact carving traces, and smooth lines, indicating the high-level of the craft reached in the Tang Dynasty. Tang San Cai is primaryly divided into pottery tomb-figures and daily commodities.

After the founding of new China, specialized institutions have been set up to study the technics of making Tang San Cai, which has boosted the development of the craft.

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Rich Artistic Connotation & Historical Background:

The artwork is a ceramic pot in the shape of an elephant, which carries rich cultural and historical significance.

This elephant pot showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and unique style of classical Chinese art.

Its design was inspired by the mythical creature of ancient Chinese lore - the elephant, which symbolizes strength, wisdom, and longevity.

Upon examining this artwork, one can appreciate the intricate details on the elephant pot, such as its ears, eyes, and trunk, all of which are vividly depicted.

These details demonstrate the artist's deep understanding of ancient culture and mastery of traditional techniques.

Furthermore, the pot's colors are vibrant and layered, making it even more visually appealing.

Historically speaking, this artwork reflects the development of ancient Chinese ceramics.

During the Tang and Song dynasties, ceramic art reached its pinnacle, with many exquisite porcelain pieces becoming treasured possessions of royalty, nobles, and literati.

The elephant pot is one of the representative works from this period, bearing witness to the glorious achievements of ancient Chinese ceramic art.

In modern times, this artwork still holds high value as a collector's item and a decorative piece.

It can be placed in a living room or study as a home accent, adding an air of rustic elegance to the space.

Additionally, it can serve as a gift for friends and family, conveying well wishes and affection.

In conclusion, this classical-style elephant pot is an artwork brimming with historical charm and artistic merit.

Not only does it showcase the allure of ancient Chinese culture, but it also provides us with an opportunity to appreciate and learn from classical art.