Chinese Dragon Ridge Tile
DateMing Dynasty, 1368-1644
Object NameTile
Mediumearthenware
ClassificationsCeramics
AcquisitionBeatrice Claeson Gordon Bequest, 1990.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS015038
About MeIn the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was common to decorate the roof with figures fashioned from clay. The Ming period was the golden age of tile production in China. According to traditional Chinese belief the roof is a platform for communication between the mortal and spirit worlds. Ridges and eaves were adorned with representations of gods, literary characters or symbolic beasts in order to ward off evil spirits.More About Me
This roof tile could represent Chaofeng, son of the Dragon King. Chaofeng was believed to be very adventurous, and was depicted gazing into the distance from high places such as rooftops.
James McBey
Charles Thévenin
William Dyce
