The Liao Dynasty 907-1125, was an empire in East Asia that ruled over the regions of Manchuria, Mongolia, and parts of northern China proper. It was founded by the Yelü clan of the Khitan people in the same year as Tang Dynasty collapsed (907), even though its first ruler, Yelü Abaoji, did not declare an era name until 916.
Although it was originally known as the Empire of the Khitan, the Emperor Yelü Ruan officially adopted the name "Liao" (formally "Great Liao") in 947 (938?). The name "Liao" was dropped in 983, but readopted in 1066. Another name for China in English, Cathay, is derived from the name Khitan. This is also the origin of the Russian word for China, Китай or Kitay, and that of several other East European languages.
Due to the striking similarity of Tang Sancai and Liao Sancai. There is some inference that Liao Dynasty Sancai Tri-color is the continuation of Tang Sancai due to the short span of time separating the two dynasties. The Thickly potted sancai plate is a superb example of Liao Dynasty pottery. The plate interior is decorated in the centre with a chrysanthemum flower, surrounded with two levels of peony flowers and leafs, with the typical colour of brown, green and cream glaze of peony and leafs. Supported on a smaller foot, the exterior of the plate is unglazed overall revealing the stoneware of the time. Diam. 27.5 cm.
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