Liao
After the demise of the Tang dynasty, the Liao dynasty ruled much of what we know today as northern and north-eastern China (Manchuria), Mongolia and parts of the Russian Far East and North Korea from 916 to 1125 and was contemporary with the first half of the Song dynasty.
As such, Liao dynasty ceramics produced in Manchuria followed the traditions of the Tang whiteware and the three-colour sancai but because the Liao were largely people from non-literate nomadic tribes, they also developed their own artistic styles of Liao ceramics.
In addition to their own imitations of Tang and Song wares, Liao pottery was produced in some unique shapes including long-necked vases, cockscomb vessels modelled on the flower, jugs with phoenix-headed mouths and flat flasks. These were Liao dynasty ceramics produced to imitate saddle bags made from animal hides used to carry milk, water or even liquor.
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23. M4757
£12,500Chinese ceramic sancai, three-colour glazed small dish, pan, with carved design of two ripe pomegranates issuing from a single branch amongst leaves, the fruit painted in yellow with brown speckles predominantly on a white ground within a yellow border incised with two rings and a wide green band in the cavetto covering the rim, the flat base and short foot rim unglazed revealing the buff-coloured body beneath a wide band of white slip.
Further information on Liao
The manufacturing techniques of these Liao dynasty ceramics involved being slipped and covered with a low-fired glaze of rich green or brown. Some Liao pottery was covered with an exquisite white glaze which has been compared to the high quality of Ding ware.
Generally speaking, Liao dynasty ceramics and Liao pottery were not as refined as those of the Song dynasty however Liao ceramics retain both the interest, charm and inherent beauty of fine provincial wares.
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Doucai ceramics, where parts of the design and some outlines, are painted in underglaze blue, the piece is then enamelled, glazed and fired.
