Tang-Dynasty and Nara-Period Jars
These two ceramic jars may look similar, but one is Japanese and one is of Chinese origin. Their bold coloring was created using lead-based glazes. The Japanese jar is the oldest extant example of an imitation three-color ware (known as sancai in Chinese) made in the eighth century. The other is a Tang dynasty (618–907) original from the seventh century, similar to ones which have been discovered in numerous tomb sites across China. The domestic jar, called Nara sancai, combines Chinese techniques with Japanese copper green glaze, demonstrating how Chinese technology was adapted.