Roof Tile
1500-1644 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The production of ceramic tiles and architectural fittings greatly expanded during the Ming dynasty (1279-1366), at a time of growing urbanization in China. Specialised kilns were set up in north and south China, often close to building sites. The tiles were mass-produced and then hand-finished with finer decorative details.
This figure, shaped as a lion, was part of an elaborate architectural decoration placed on the top ridge of a roof, probably a Buddhist temple. A vase or another Buddhist symbol was originally fitted into the draped vase on the animal's back. The lion is a popular animal in Buddhist iconography, and it is often depicted as the vehicle of Manjusri, Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
This figure, shaped as a lion, was part of an elaborate architectural decoration placed on the top ridge of a roof, probably a Buddhist temple. A vase or another Buddhist symbol was originally fitted into the draped vase on the animal's back. The lion is a popular animal in Buddhist iconography, and it is often depicted as the vehicle of Manjusri, Bodhisattva of Wisdom.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Stoneware with lead glazes |
Brief description | Stoneware architectural fitting in the shape of a lion, with lead glazes, Ming dynasty, ca. 1500-1644 |
Physical description | Stoneware architectural fitting shaped as a lion carrying on his back a draped canopy, decorated with green, yellow and brown lead glazes |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Gallery label |
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Production | HZ03122019: 獅坐蓮花燈台? |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | The production of ceramic tiles and architectural fittings greatly expanded during the Ming dynasty (1279-1366), at a time of growing urbanization in China. Specialised kilns were set up in north and south China, often close to building sites. The tiles were mass-produced and then hand-finished with finer decorative details. This figure, shaped as a lion, was part of an elaborate architectural decoration placed on the top ridge of a roof, probably a Buddhist temple. A vase or another Buddhist symbol was originally fitted into the draped vase on the animal's back. The lion is a popular animal in Buddhist iconography, and it is often depicted as the vehicle of Manjusri, Bodhisattva of Wisdom. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.94-1913 |
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Record created | September 23, 2008 |
Record URL |
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