Style of Tang Dynasty Art

There is a great crosscultural opportunity to be had in the field of antique collecting. One can focus on items produced virtually anywhere in the world at any time. We have noted the chance this provides to delve into and experience history. Another opportunity is the exploration of other cultures.

One need not be a sailor to collect scrimshaw, and one need not be native to a culture to collect its antique artifacts. In fact, exploring other cultures through antique collecting is a great way to expand one’s perspective.

Additionally, many antiques originally produced by other cultures are very valuable commodities. The compulsion to collect may be almost innate to man, but the opportunity to do so has been widely limited to those in the West.
Antique cultural artifacts from other society’s histories can be very valuable and are coveted collectibles. An example of this can be found by examining the style of the Tang Dynasty of China and the breathtaking antiques it produced.

One of the most opulent periods in Chinese history was the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 618 AD to 907 AD. All types of art flourished during the period. There was great attention to painting, pottery, calligraphy, sculpture, music, dance and literature. Objects of all types are art were not only publicly appreciated but found in private homes as well.

Much like the ancient Egyptians, the Chinese believed that when one passes from this life to the next that they need to have all the possessions that they would require while alive. Chinese tombs were filled with ornate possessions. As these ancient
tombs have been excavated in modern times, it has revealed much about Chinese history and artistic preferences. Antiques from the Tang Dynasty can help us learn more about the people of that time.

The Tang Dynasty art was marked by numerous battles with the Turks. China’s empire grew extensively adding to the immerging nation’s power and influence. The influence of China’s powerful military during this time marked all aspects of Chinese life, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its art. Officers, warriors and soldiers were popular muses during the Tang Dynasty.

The peace that China was able to garner during this age resulted in further refinement of detail work in vessels and utensils of all varieties. The Tang Dynasty was also host to the growing Buddhist movement giving way to religious ornaments and icons.

The Tang Dynasty saw the enjoyment of the consumption of tea and wine. During this period it was customary for business meetings to end in a steamy cup of hot tea. Social interactions also hastened the need for beautiful cups and teapots suitable for all occasions. Wine jars also saw new levels of refinement and embellishment during the Tang Dynasty.

Lyric and verse transcended the empire as it went through its own renaissance period. The people of the empire were imbibing not only in the cultural revival but also in the libations of the era. Ambience and mood were of quintessential importance making the use of beautiful and functional drink ware a must.

Changsha wine flasks became synonymous with the dynasty and are also considered one of the world’s finest examples of craftsmanship.

Bronze, jade, and pottery were the hallmarks of China’s art community. Performing arts also made an impact on local and world culture as artist and actor alike were reaching the level of status symbol. Schools were established for performers to hone their crafts. This environment of creativity permeated the society on every level from small country village to the very depths of the empire.

With this new emphasis on education, all aspects of Chinese culture reached unimaginable heights. The exuberance of enlightenment inspired Chinese artisans to push the boundaries of their disciplines to outreach any dynasty before or since.

Sancai figurines are among the most treasured artifacts of the Tang Dynasty. This style of pottery was produced using multicolored lead glaze and was shaped primarily into animal shapes. Sancai often found its way into the final resting places of the wealthy during the Tang Dynasty.

The after life was an important part of Chinese life and nowhere is this more apparent than in the art of the Tang Dynasty. Funerary art decorated the tombs of Chinese citizens often reminiscent of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs and the
jewelencrusted sarcophagi. Oxen, guardians, landscapes and servants lined the tombs of the departed waiting to ease their burden in the hereafter.

The multicolored lead glaze of Sancai pottery was not the only exploration into glazing for the dynasty. Tang marbled lead glaze created a distinct look to pottery that has offered antiquarians and researchers alike a deeper understanding of the artisans during this period. Because of the unique application of the marbled glaze and the construction of the pottery receiving the glaze this movement sets itself apart from all that preceded it. Simplicity of form married with simplicity of function earmark this style of pottery.

For antique collectors Tang dynasty art and artifacts can add elegance and culture to their collection. Although it is very difficult to find original pieces in excellent condition, many Tang inspired pieces are available on the market that brings the same elegance and artistry.

One need not feel limited, of course, to Tang period pieces or Chinese pieces in general. Collecting antiques from other lands is an expansive opportunity. Others have built awesome collections featuring antiques from other areas and other eras. The interest in Tang Dynasty collectibles simply reveals how interesting and valuable crosscultural
collecting can be.