This lead-glazed or ‘sancai’ (‘three colour’) horse with pigment-painted saddle would have been part of a group of tomb figures. The practice of using lead-glazed burial wares had already started during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). This glaze technology further developed during the Tang dynasty (618-906) into ‘sancai’ (‘three-colour’) glaze. It included colours such as cream, amber, brown and green. This tradition of decoration continued into the Ming period. Horses played a central role in long-distance trade over the Silk Road as well as the military.The custom of making burial wares was an ancient practice. It was believed that these were necessary for the deceased in the next world. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
