Musicians on camels, women on horseback, and terrifying guardians—these are some of the figurines found in Tang dynasty tombs

Polychrome figures (sancai), 618–907 C.E. (Tang dynasty), white clay, lead oxide flux and glazes colored with copper, iron, manganese, and cobalt; fired at 800 degrees Celsius (Shanghai Museum); a conversation between Dr. Kristen Loring Brennan and Dr. Beth Harris.