A tall camel throws its head back mid-call, mouth open, the deep blue-black glaze of its body worn to chalky patches and its amber crest running down the neck. A rider sits on the load across its back, in a green robe, and a blanket of green, amber and cream glaze drapes over the hump. This vintage Chinese sancai glazed camel with rider follows the style of the Tang dynasty, when caravan camels carried silk, spices and travelers along the Silk Road and were modeled in glazed earthenware for tombs. Camel, rider and base are modeled as one piece, and the cream, unglazed legs and chipped terracotta base show the clay beneath the glaze.
At 13.5 inches tall and 10 inches long, it sits comfortably on a console, mantel, bookshelf or desk. The blue gives a cool counterpoint to the warm amber and green, and it reads well against dark wood, plaster walls and shelves of books.
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Era: Vintage
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Origin: China
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Material: Glazed ceramic
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Size: 10"(W) x 5"(D) x 13.5"(H)
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Color: Blue-black, amber, green and cream
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Condition: Wear consistent with age and use, part of its character and historical value. Glaze wear and chips at the base.
This vintage Chinese sancai glazed camel with rider is Tang style, in blue-black, amber, green and cream glaze on a terracotta base. It measures 10 inches wide, 5 inches deep and 13.5 inches tall. It suits a console, mantel, bookshelf or desk.
Q: Why are camels common in Tang dynasty tomb figures?
A: The Bactrian camel carried goods and travelers along the Silk Road, so camels in tomb figures stood for caravan trade and the wealth it brought. Some Tang camel figures carry riders or musicians from Central Asia, and the cobalt blue used in their glaze was imported and costly.
Q: Where should you place a ceramic camel figure?
A: Set it on a console, mantel or bookshelf at eye level with open space around it, so the raised head and long neck read clearly. Dark wood or plain plaster behind it shows off the blue glaze.
**Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio
