Three-Color Glaze Ceramics from Ancient Times
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Lidded Jar, Found in Ibaraki City, Osaka, Nara period, 8th century (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
September 20, 2023 (Wed) - March 10, 2024 (Sun)In Tang-dynasty China, the production of three-color glaze ceramics― called Tang sancai (“Three Colors of the Tang”)―developed from the 7th century onwards. Before long, ceramics of this type were brought to Japan, where the production of similar ceramics, called Nara sansai (“Three colors of the Nara period”), started in the 8th century.
While three-color glaze ceramics created in China were mostly intended to be entombed with the deceased as grave goods, those created in Japan were practical items that were used during rituals and Buddhist services held by or for the state and people of high social standing.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Lidded Jar | Found in Ibaraki City, Osaka | Nara period, 8th century | J-35627 | ||
| Highlight | Small Lidded Jar | Reportedly found in Nara City, Nara | Nara period, 8th century | Private collection | |||
| Highlight | Ridge-End Roof Tile ("Onigawara") | Reportedly found at the site of Heiangū Palace's Daigokuden Hall, Kyoto | Heian period, 9th century | J-24179 | |||
| Highlight | Pillow | China | Tang dynasty, 8th century | Gift of Mr. Emori Nahiko, TG-2053 |