A LARGE SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY FIGURE OF A CAMEL AND GROOM TANG DYNASTY

the lively animal modeled standing foursquare on a rectangular base, the head raised and rearing back, mouth agape as if braying, nostrils flared and eyes bulging, a long flowing ruff of curving tufts down the arching neck and a sweptback mane atop the head, the body amber-glazed, the front of the head, the locks of hair along the front of the neck, the slightly leaning humps and curling tail picked out in a pale straw glaze, the ruffle-hemmed saddle blanket dappled in green, amber and straw glazes; the standing attendant modeled with the torso and head turning to the right, one arm raised, the other outstretched at the waist with fists clenched as if securing the reins of the spirited animal, wearing a Persian-style robe with wide lapels and secured by a knotted sash around the waist, splashed with chestnut, green and straw glazes, the head, hands and boots unglazed (2)
Height of camel 32 1/2 in., 82.6 cm
Height of groom 23 1/2 in., 59.7 cm

Provenance:
Collection of Pauline Palmer Wood (1917-1984).
Gifted to the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago in 1969 (acc. nos 1969.787a and 1969.787b).