Kristin's+Asia+Exhibit

**Phoenix-headed ewer**, Tang dynasty (618–906), H. 12 3/4 in. (32.5 cm)

Luxurious goods such as Persian silverware and textiles were in high demand by the Chinese nobility, and the result of the Tang quest for the exotic is visible in the ceramic vessels recovered from burial grounds. One type of earthenware vessel, excavated mainly in Shaanxi and Henan provinces, is exemplified by this phoenix-headed ewer. Made with a mould, the ornaments on its sides include half-palmettes framing a mounted archer delivering his "Parthian shot," a demonstration of excellent horsemanship in which the mounted archer turns to fire at a target directly behind him. The vessel's shape is based on an Iranian or Central Asian prototype, and the low-fire //sancai// (three-color) lead glaze, chiefly in brown, green, and blue with various gradations, is a typical design in Tang ceramics. The opulent colors of the sancai glaze, freely applied to the vessel, reflect the exuberant spirit of the great Tang empire.

 Source: [|Phoenix-headed ewer [China (1991.253.4) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art]]

__Curent Event:__ The United States and its allies, are frustrated in their efforts to pressure China directly to change its economic policies. They are seeking to enlist other developing nations in an international campaign that China may find more palatable.

For more go to:[| http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/business/global/14summit.html?scp=4&sq=China&st=cse]