Water dragon ridge ends

Physical description

Pair of ridge ends moulded in the form of water dragons. Yellow, with dragon heads, a pair of dragon claws, streaming tails and fish scales.

Place of Origin

Hebei, China (made)

Date

ca. 1500-1650 (made)

Artist/maker

unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Stoneware, with lead glazes

Dimensions

Height: 66 cm, Width: 76 cm

Historical context note

Ming contributions to classical architecture included the use of glazed tiles. Decorated roof tiles had been used since the Bronze age, the colour of the tiles differing according to status of owner and use of the building. During the Ming dynasty, yellow tiles were used for imperial buildings.

Descriptive line

Pair of roof ridge ends in the form of water dragons; Chinese, Ming dynasty, about 1500 - 1650

Exhibition History

Sculpture (Victoria and Albert Museum, Gallery 47e 01/04/2007-30/04/2007)

Labels and date

Pair of Ridge Ends
About 1500-1650 (Ming dynasty)
Hebei Province, China

These water dragon ridge ends were made for a palace or temple hall. They illustrate a popular legend about the dragon living in the East Sea. It was said that rain fell whenever the monster opened its jaws to spout water. The presence of water dragons on the roof would protect against lightning and fire. [76 words]

Stoneware, with lead glaze

Museum nos. C.363, 364-1912
Given by Mr George Crofts

Categories

Ceramics

Collection code

EAS