Pair of Antique Chinese Architectural Ornament Fish Roof Tile Figure Statues

A scarce pair of Qing Dynasty temple architectural ornaments, the decorative antique building element fragments each elaborately hand carved, polychrome painted and lacquered, richly detailed featuring two figural pairs accented...

A magnificent near pair of antique Italian architectural salvaged elements, now repurposed and fashioned as one-of-a-kind tables / stands / sculptures! 19th Century or earlier, Italy, most likely Venetian / Veneto region, hand carved polychrome painted sculptural corinthian column capital exterior building elements almost certainly depicting a Baroque interpretation of Medusa, having spiral scroll volutes, acanthus leaf carvings, figural ancient mask...

A magnificent pair of Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) antique Chinese architectural elements with beautifully aged patina. circa 1900 Most impressive large scale, likely sculptural corbels from a Buddhist temple or imperial palace, late 19th / early 20th century, each intricately hand carved with very fine detailing, similarly styled pair, modeled as guardian foo lion, depicted with outstretched arched body, mouth ajar, clutching floral ball, having elaborate openwork carvings, with scattered remnants of original polychrome paint remaining. The highly decorative architectural salvaged ornamental building elements presented on custom made hand carved wooden sculpture stands...

A remarkable pair of large Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) earthenware Imperial roof decorations - ornamental architectural terracotta roof tile beasts. 15th/16th century or earlier, Northern China, most likely Forbidden City, Dongcheng District, Beijing, figural pottery modeled as mythical qilin (foo dog / guardian lion), the crouching beast with legs back and flaming body depicted ready to pounce. Retaining partial remnants of the red wax export seal, indicating they are authentic and were legally exported out of the country. Dimensions: (approx) Largest: 18" Tall, 19" Wide, 8" Deep History: Chinese roof tiles have been a part of Chinese architecture for over 2,000 years. These unique and beautifully crafted tiles have become an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, and have gained international recognition for their beauty and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the different types of Chinese roof tiles, their construction, cultural significance, preservation and restoration techniques, and modern uses. Chinese imperial roof decorations or roof charms or roof-figures (Chinese: 檐獸/檐兽; pinyin: yán shòu) or "walking beasts" (Chinese: 走獸/走兽; pinyin: zǒu shòu) or "crouching beasts" (Chinese: 蹲獸/蹲兽; pinyin: Dūn shòu) were statutes placed along the ridge line of official buildings of the Chinese empire. Only official buildings (palaces, government buildings, and some temples) were permitted to use such roof decorations. Occasionally arranged in an outward marching procession with various different examples, the number and type indicating the importance of the duties performed within the building or within the courtyard protected by a gate. With a maximum number of nine, the mythical beast was one of the highest in rank, thus modeled set to pounce upon the man and lower ranking creatures, ready to devour them should they stray from performing their duties with faithfulness and rectitude The Design and Construction of Chinese Roofs: The roof design is an important aspect of Chinese architecture, with each component of the roof playing a specific role. Chinese roof tiles fit into the overall design of the roof and are placed on top of wooden supports called purlins. The interlocking system of Chinese roof tiles ensures that they stay in place and prevent leaks. Ridge tiles...