Tripod Plate

The shape of this tripod plate emulates silver trays imported into China from the Sasanian empire (224–651 C.E.), in present-day Iran, or from trading outposts in Sogdiana, in present-day Uzbekistan. The motif of linked grapes and grape leaves in the center of the tray was also transmitted from the Middle East and Central Asia, and foreign foods such as grapes began to be cultivated in the northwestern regions of China at this time. The design was impressed in the soft clay, painted, and glazed. The vibrant three-color (sancai) palette of green, amber, and white was enhanced by the rare addition of blue, dating this plate to the prosperous High Tang period in the eighth century. The blue color was created using imported cobalt from the Middle East.