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Pair of Chinese Ming Sancai Chiwen Roof Tiles, c. 1650

$26,800per set

£20,346.05per set

€23,455.68per set

CA$37,912.30per set

A$40,816.04per set

CHF 21,857.78per set

MX$491,818.73per set

NOK 275,784.65per set

SEK 252,387.49per set

DKK 175,270.23per set

About the Item

These monumental Chinese roof tiles were once installed as part of the elaborate roof of a Ming-dynasty temple or grand courtyard home. Dated to the 17th century or earlier, the sculptural forms would have flanked the horizontal ridge that comprised the highest point of the roof, arranged to appear as though swallowing this topmost beam. With wide-open jaws and scaly, curled tails, the tiles depict a mythical creature known as a chiwen (蚩吻), a chimeric being with the face of a dragon, tail of a fish and wings of a bird. A motif with origins as early as the Han dynasty (202 BC-220 AD), the chiwen is shown swallowing the roof ridge so as to ‘swallow all evil influences’ and protect from fire, flood and typhoon. Glazed in the sancai manner, with green, creme and golden-yellow glaze, the tiles are molded in high relief and embellished with sinuous dragons chasing a flaming pearl, a motif for the pursuit of strength and power. Each roof tile is composed of four individual pieces and requires a display mount or professional installation. Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian Art.

Dimensions:
Height: 56 in (142.24 cm)Width: 29 in (73.66 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Ming (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Earthenware,Glazed
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
17th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c. 1650
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Each roof tile is composed of four individual pieces and requires a display mount or professional installation.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
Seller: CMCL0931stDibs: LU820044986352

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