This glazed camel was produced during the zenith of the Tang Dynasty. During the Tang, increasingly becomes a symbol of wealth and occupies important niches in tombs. The rider of this camel can be identified as a foreigner by his beard and moustache. This “barbarian,” possibly an Armenian employed as a groom, wears a pointed hat, his hands posing as if controlling the camel. The camel lifts its head as if neighing; we can see its tongue and teeth. Its neck and two humps were made by piling clay in the appropriate position and carving out the pattern with instruments, making the entire effect lifelike and believable.
