Nomadic rider's jug in green glazed earthenware, China, Tang Dynasty.

Nomadic horseman’s gourd in green glazed earthenware, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907) Monochrome green glazed terracotta. This piece resembles a nomadic horseman’s gourd, sculpted with details imitating leather. The suspension handles (ears): You can observe small perforated lugs on the edges. They were used to pass leather straps or cords to hang the flask on the side of the horse or on the horseman’s belt. Lead glaze in emerald green (achieved through copper oxide). The slightly patinated, iridescent, and earthy appearance of the surface is due to the natural chemical alteration of the lead in the glaze after centuries of burial in a tomb. This piece is a magnificent testament to the cultural synthesis characteristic of Tang art, blending utilitarian nomadic leather forms with the mastery of Chinese ceramics. Revealing the rise of trade that occurred during the Tang dynasty. Dimensions: 20 X 18 X 7.5 cm. Small chips at the neck. No restoration has been done (tested by UV light and thermoluminescence).