Camel Maker: Unknown

early 8th century c.e.

Asian Art

On view, 2nd floor, Asian Art

Although not native to China, camels played a significant role in the extensive overland trade that linked China to the eastern Mediterranean, and they were a common sight in major urban centers. In Tang-dynasty tombs, clay camels were paired with sculptures of West Asian grooms, a reference to both this important trade route and the status of the deceased, who could afford foreign servants and animals.

Medium

Earthenware with three-color (sancai) glaze

Dimensions

31 1/2 × 23 1/2 × 11 1/2 in. (80.01 × 59.69 × 29.21 cm)

Credit Line

Lent by H. Christopher Luce, B.A. 1972

Loan number

ILE2011.4.2

Geography

China

Culture

Chinese

Period

Tang dynasty (618–907 C.E.)

Classification

Sculpture

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Acquired in China by Henry R. Luce (1898–1967) before 1937; by inheritance to his son Henry Luce III (1925–2005), New York, 1967; by inheritance to his son H. Christopher Luce, New York, 2005 (on loan to the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, New Haven, Conn., since 2011)
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States

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