Green-glazed Earthenware Water Bottle Of A Nomadic Horseman, Tang Dynasty, China (618–907)

Green-glazed earthenware Bianhu gourd of a nomadic horseman, Tang Dynasty, China (618–907)

Terracotta with monochrome green glaze
This piece resembles a nomadic horseman’s flask, carved with details imitating leather
The suspension loops (ears): You can see small perforated tabs along the edges.
These were used to thread leather straps or ropes through to hang the flask on the horse’s flank or the rider’s belt.


Emerald-green lead-based glaze (achieved using copper oxide).
The surface’s slightly weathered, iridescent, and earthy appearance is due to the natural chemical alteration of the lead in the glaze after centuries of being buried in a tomb.

This piece is a magnificent testament to the cultural synthesis unique to Tang art, blending utilitarian nomadic leather forms with the mastery of Chinese ceramics.
It reveals the flourishing trade that took place during the Tang Dynasty

Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 7.5 cm
Small chips on the neck
No restoration has been performed (tested using UV light and thermoluminescence)