May 18 marks International Museum Day, an annual global celebration of museums as vital institutions for cultural exchange, education and heritage preservation.

Deriving from Tang sancai, which is tri-colored glazed pottery from the Tang Dynasty, the Khitans of the Liao Dynasty creatively burned ethnic Liao sancai. The pottery, vividly glazed with gorgeous bands of yellow, white, and green, is characterized by its unaffected and bold native style.

This Sancai-Glazed Pottery Ewer with Tai Chi Symbol, from the collection of Liaoning Provincial Museum, has a strong traditional Khitan style in its design, decoration, and technique. With exquisite craftsmanship, unique patterns, and elaborate decoration, it is a treasure among the ceramics of the Liao Dynasty.