1989: Gourd, ceramic, China

Liao Dynasty (907 - 1125), MC 9825

Terracotta Gourd H.: 0,375 Northern China Liao Dynasty (907-1125) MC 9825. Gift of the Society of Friends of the Cernuschi Museum, 1989. The Khitan, nomadic people of Inner Mongolia, after the creation of their state in 907, at the collapse of the Tang dynasty, will assume an imperial title. Their culture mixes elements of Tang art with reminiscences of their nomadic traditions. Thus their ceramic production includes many gourds. The oldest are faithful copies of genuine leather gourds. Over time, their shapes become more and more stylized. On the museum piece, attention should be drawn to the beautiful glossy black glaze, with subtle green reflections, obtained by reduced firing.