Chinese Ridge Tile in the form of a Phoenix
DateMing Dynasty, 1368-1644
Object NameTile
Mediumearthenware
ClassificationsCeramics
AcquisitionBeatrice Claeson Gordon Bequest, 1990.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS015040
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
The Chinese phoenix (Fenghuang) is the mythical king of all birds and a messenger of happiness. The phoenix on this ridge tile has a pheasant's head, a swan's body and a peacock's tail.
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (early 19th Century)
Tang Dynasty, 618-906
Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644
Tang Dynasty, 618-906
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang period, 1821-1850
Tang Dynasty, 618-906
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period, 1402 - 1424
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing Period, 1796-1820
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 15th - 16th century
possibly early 20th Century
19th Century
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, 18th - 19th century
