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Tripod Plate

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
The shape of this tripod plate emulates silver trays imported into China from the Sasanian empire (224–651 C.E.), in present-day Iran, or from trading outposts in Sogdiana, in present-day Uzbekistan. The motif of linked grapes and grape leaves in the center of the tray was also transmitted from the Middle East and Central Asia, and foreign foods such as grapes began to be cultivated in the northwestern regions of China at this time. The design was impressed in the soft clay, painted, and glazed. The vibrant three-color (sancai) palette of green, amber, and white was enhanced by the rare addition of blue, dating this plate to the prosperous High Tang period in the eighth century. The blue color was created using imported cobalt from the Middle East.
MEDIUM Earthenware, 3 color (sancai) lead glaze
  • Place Made: Henan, China
  • DATES 618–907
    DYNASTY Tang Dynasty
    PERIOD Tang Dynasty
    DIMENSIONS 2 3/8 x 11 3/4 in. (6 x 29.9 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 53.90
    CREDIT LINE William E. Hutchins Collection
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
    CAPTION Tripod Plate, 618–907. Earthenware, 3 color (sancai) lead glaze, 2 3/8 x 11 3/4 in. (6 x 29.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, William E. Hutchins Collection, 53.90. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 53.90_back_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE back, 53.90_back_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2014
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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