Hartman Rare Art, Inc.

A family-owned business since 1927

For over 77 years, the Hartman Family and our associates have consistently worked to provide quality antique merchandise to our customers at competitive prices. Should you have any questions about the pieces we feature on this website or if you would like to inquire further about a specific item, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our gallery is located in midtown Manhattan and easily accessible on the second floor. Please note the entrance to the building is on 53rd Street between Park and Madison Avenues. We are open to the public Monday to Friday from 10:00AM until 4:30PM.

The T´ang Dynasty was a period of time in China between 618 C.E. and 907 C.E. during which the country that we now refer to as China expanded and developed at a rapid pace. Built on the achievements of the previous Dynasty (Sui), the rulers of the T´ang Dynasty increased trade and expansion into new territories while also catering more to the needs of the common people.

During the T´ang Dynasty there was also a great deal of art created. Due to greater political and economic stability, artists were better able to spend time on the creation of practical, monumental and whimsical pieces.

Sançai glazes were first used to decorate pottery in China during the T´ang Dynasty. These glazes are lead-based: cream, amber, green in color. They were used to decorate a variety of objects, often combined with one another and also with others to create pieces the likes of which had not previously been seen in China.

As would be expected, other pottery and earthenware pieces were also created during the T´ang Dynasty, though their styles were simply not as popular and thus, not as abundant as those of the Sançai style pieces. Some of these selected items are not authentic Sançai pieces, though they are featured here for their age, beauty and inspiration.

Box and Cover

The cover is well-fitted to the box and both are decorated all over the exterior surfaces with Sançai style glaze. The cover is further decorated with incised floral motifs highlighted with blue glaze. The box measures 6 inches diameter and 2.5 inches height.

CT02

Price: $5,000.00

Figure of a Dancing Female

The piece is composed of earthenware and highlighted on the surface with polychrome, most of which has worn away in time. The maiden is modeled wearing a traditional robe with a sash. Her hair is piled atop her head in 2 buns. Her one arm rests at her side, her other arm is raised in a graceful gesture. The piece measures 9.5 inches height and comes with the stand shown.

CT03

Price: $3,000.00

Sculpture of a Cow

The modeling of the piece is excellent; it is clear that the artisan had some understanding of the musculature of the animal. The underside of the piece is hollowed out. The exterior surfaces are decorated with Sançai style glaze in amber, blue and green tones. This piece is in very good condition. One of the animal's ears is broken off. This sculpture measures 6 inches length. The piece was formerly from the collection of Mr. William Clayton of London.

CT04

Price: $1,300.00

Tomb Guardian

The figure is modeled standing with his hands held in front of him as if holding something. His head is turned upwards, looking at a subject. It is possible the figure was initially holding a separate object that has now been lost. The surfaces of the figure's robes are decorated with Sançai style glaze. One can see traces of polychrome on the face. The figure measures 24 inches height.

CT06

Price: $15,000.00

8 Piece Bowl and Dish Set

The earthenware set comprises a large platter, 6 small cups with rims and 1 larger cup set atop a pedestal-form support. Due to markings on the serving platter, one may infer that this set initially held 7 small cups. Obviously one has been lost to time. The 8 pieces are decorated with Sançai style enamels. The pieces of this set have remained intact. The platter measures 10.5 inches diameter at the rim.

CT08

Price: $8,000.00

Tripod Censer

The vessel is bulbous form through the body and set atop 3 paw-form supports. The lower body is decorated with horizontal ribbing on the shoulder. The piece is decorated with applied floral and scroll motifs. The neck is cylinder-form and rises from the body, flaring slightly at the rim. On the exterior surfaces, the piece is decorated with traditional Sançai and blue-colored glazes. This piece measures 7 inches height at the rim.

CT09

Price: $9,500.00

Miniature Vessel

This beautiful miniature pottery vase was made in China during the T´ang Dynasty. The vase is squat globular form and features a small opening on top. The exterior surfaces are decorated with Sançai glaze in brown and tan tones. The vase measures 2 inches diameter. This piece is accompanied by a copy of a Thermoluminescence analysis test that confirms the date of the item from the T´ang Dynasty.

CT12

Price: $2,300.00