Liao ceramics represent one of the most distinctive traditions in the history of Chinese pottery and porcelain. Blending the bold spirit of the steppe with the refined aesthetics of China’s Central Plains, they embody a unique artistic style that reflects the cultural fusion of the Liao Dynasty (907–1125). Among the treasures housed by the Liaoning Provincial Museum are two national grade-one cultural relics: the Liao Sancai-Glazed Pottery Ewer with Tai Chi Symbol and the Liao Sancai-Glazed Begonia-Shaped Dish with Peony and Double- Butterfly Design. Recently, these two masterpieces were released as digital collectibles on TOPNOD, a digital collection platform operated by Jingtan.
Liao ceramics can generally be categorized into three groups according to glaze color: white porcelain, monochrome-glazed wares, and sancai-glazed pottery. White porcelain is characterized by its fine, pale body and pure white or slightly bluish-white glaze. Sancai-glazed pottery, commonly known as Liao Sancai, is a type of low-fired lead-glazed earthenware decorated primarily in yellow, green, and white. Unlike Tang sancai, it contains no blue glaze. Molded decorative patterns are widely used, while the production techniques inherited and further developed the traditions of Tang Dynasty sancai ware.
Standing 21 centimeters tall with a body diameter of 18.6 centimeters, the Liao Sancai-Glazed Pottery Ewer with Tai Chi Symbol is an outstanding example of the integration of nomadic practicality and Central Plains aesthetics in Liao ceramic art. Its unique combination of a dragon-head spout, Taiji-and-lotus motif, and wave-and-cloud decoration is exceptionally rare among surviving Liao sancai pieces. The vessel features a flattened, rounded body with a flat base and no neck. A short dragon-head spout extends from one side, while a broad strap handle adorns the opposite side. The handle is impressed with brocade-like patterns, and decorative leather-stud motifs appear beneath the spout. Ring attachments on the shoulder allowed the vessel to be carried conveniently during travel, reflecting the lifestyle of the Khitan nomadic people. The body is made of hard grayish-white clay coated with a white slip and covered in yellow and green low-temperature lead glazes. The lustrous, flowing glaze exemplifies the hallmark aesthetic of Liao Sancai—an unrefined ceramic body enhanced through exquisite decoration. Symmetrical molded patterns decorate both sides. At the center, a Taiji symbol is enclosed within a lotus blossom and surrounded by auspicious ruyi-shaped clouds and water-and-lotus motifs. A band of upward-facing lotus petals encircles the lower body. Rich in detail yet clearly structured, the composition demonstrates the remarkable mastery of Liao artisans in molding and glazing techniques and possesses significant historical, artistic, and cultural value.
The Liao Sancai-Glazed Begonia-Shaped Dish with Peony and Double-Butterfly Design is another treasured masterpiece that combines artistic, historical, and academic significance. Shaped in the form of an eight-lobed begonia blossom—a classic ceramic form of the Liao Dynasty—it reflects the admiration of Khitan aristocrats for the culture and aesthetics of the Central Plains. The dish has a relatively coarse body covered with yellow, green, and white glazes that flow and blend naturally across the surface. Areas of accumulated glaze produce deep green and amber tones, displaying the characteristic “coarse body, refined decoration” style of Liao Sancai. At the center is a molded peony in full bloom, accompanied by two butterflies dancing among the petals. Scrolling floral patterns decorate the exterior walls of the dish. The composition is rich and harmonious, showcasing the sophisticated craftsmanship of Liao ceramic production. In traditional Chinese culture, the peony symbolizes prosperity and honor, while butterflies carry auspicious associations with family continuity and flourishing descendants. During the Song, Liao, and Jin periods, the combination of peony and butterfly motifs was widely used on wedding and ceremonial wares. While inheriting the artistic legacy of Tang sancai, Liao Sancai developed its own distinctive style, featuring brighter glazes and more vivid depictions of everyday life. As such, this dish serves as an important material witness to cultural exchange across Northeast Asia between the 10th and 12th centuries, the development of Liao handicraft production, and the integration of diverse ethnic cultures.
As national grade-one cultural relics, these two ceramic treasures reveal details that are often difficult to appreciate fully during on-site exhibition, such as the flowing glazes and intricate molded decorations. Through digital technology, the Liaoning Provincial Museum has recreated the splendor of these millennium-old masterpieces. Faithfully preserving their original forms, the digital collectibles employ advanced 3D modeling techniques to present every detail of the artifacts with remarkable precision. From the subtle gradations of glaze color and intricate decorative patterns to the elegant contours of each vessel, viewers can now explore and appreciate the extraordinary artistry of Liao Sancai in unprecedented detail. Empowered by digital innovation, these cultural treasures offer a new way to experience the beauty of Liao ceramics and the rich heritage they embody. Collecting a digital artifact is more than acquiring a virtual object—it is preserving a lasting imprint of the cultural dialogue between the grasslands and the Central Plains, and a shared memory of China’s diverse civilizations.
