Research on Tang Lead-Glazed Wares Discovered from Japan

Abstract

This article considers archaeological finds of Tang sancai (three-colored ware) excavated in Japan, analyzing the characteristics of the sites, the circumstances of acquisition, and other problems. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) As of January 2003, Tang lead-glazed wares have been discovered from 52 sites in Japan. Thirty-five of these sites have produced Tang sancai made before the middle of the Tang era. (2) Tang sancai made before the mid Tang has come from eleven temple sites, three tombs or ritual sites, nine kanga (government office sites), and twelve residential sites. The majority of these sites have produced one sherd apiece suggesting that these were non-trade rather than trade ceramics. (3) Vessel forms from Japan are limited with many small ceramic pillows and bowls (cups). Medium-sized pieces such as three-legged incense burners and long-necked vases are mainly discovered from temple sites. In addition, small-sized examples of late Tang and Five Dynasties three-and two-colored wares have been discovered. (4) Evidence from commemorative epitaphs in tombs suggests that the production of Tang sancai began in the 670s, but Sui vessel shapes raise the possibility that these ceramics date as early as the second quarter of the 7th century. (5) Tang sancai was brought to Japan from the middle of the 7th century probably by official envoys to the Tang. (6) Three-legged incense burners and long-necked vases were essential objects in temple rituals and were brought by persons connected to the Tang envoys. The many pillows excavated from the Daian-ji temple were also brought in a similar fashion. (7) Small-sized articles such as pillows and cups were brought to Japan in a rather random way being regarded as simply rare and curious Chinese objects by their owners. (8) Tang sancai discovered from regional government offices comes from areas outside the official administrative buildings suggesting that they were private rather than public possessions. (9) Lower class members of the Tang envoy missions such as sailors and archers purchased Tang sancai as souvenirs in the markets in Yangzhou and other cities. These wares have been discovered in both the western and eastern parts of Japan. (10) Fine quality wares discovered from urban areas are thought to be gifts from the Tang envoys to aristocrats, although smaller pieces may be souvenirs brought back by junior members of the envoy missions.