How do I identify a Tang style piece?

Pieces styled after the Tang period typically feature sancai lead glazes with characteristic amber and green tones. They often depict court attendants, horses, or musicians with distinct archaic proportions. Examination of the clay body and the way the glaze reacts helps differentiate revival pieces from older work. Stylistic markers remain the primary visual guide for these specific forms.

Where should I place these statues?

These ceramic figures suit tabletops, mantelpieces, or dedicated display cabinets where their colours can catch the light. Their glazed surfaces benefit from stable indoor environments away from direct foot traffic. Pairing matching figures, such as cockerels or guardian lions, creates visual symmetry on sideboards or shelves. Single pieces work well as sculptural focal points in a room.

A Foo dog, or Chinese guardian lion, represents a traditional protective beast placed outside buildings or domestic spaces. Ceramic versions capture these mythical creatures in seated or guarding postures. These figures often display detailed manes and open mouths, sometimes paired as male and female guardians. Glazes range from turquoise and pale green to multi-coloured sancai finishes.

How are earthenware and porcelain different?

Earthenware is a porous, lower-fired ceramic material that requires a glaze to become impermeable to liquids. Porcelain utilises fine white clay fired at higher temperatures until the body vitrifies. Statues made from porcelain offer a finer, more ringing density, while earthenware pieces present a heavier, more rustic clay structure beneath their surface coatings.