The hunting custom started from ancient times, first to meet the need of the human being, later on it became the main source of food. With the decay of this function, hunting became an enjoyment. The rulers of the Tang dynasty were of extraction of minorities in the northwest China with the system of hat and gown following that of Zhou and Sui dynasties. The emperors Li Yuan and Li Shimin were both famous for their excellent hunting capabilities. With the influence of the emperors, hunting became popular all over China. There are many famous poems of the Tang dynasty describing this, for example viewing hunting by Wang Wei, and viewing Li Sikong's hunting in Xuzhou by Zhang Hu. In the tomb of Zheng Rentai in Liquan, tombs of Princess Yongtai and Prince Yide in Qianxian county Shaanxi Province, there were pottery hunter figurines excavated, with high quality and perfect craftsmanship.

In the Tang dynasty, the popularity of hunting is the reflection of the self-confidence, self-satisfaction and self-improvement of Chinese people as well as a vivid portrayal of the prosperity. The colorful hunting pottery figurines are the epitome of this cultural background.