Ming Roof Tiles $3,200.00

Sold as pair

Two green and white mermen. Glazed pottery.
11 in. × 9.5 in.

A Brief History of Chinese Roof Tiles

Glazed earthen objects such as beads and ornaments were first produced in China during the Western Zhou period (12^th – 8^th centuries BC). Glazed roof tiles emerged in the Northern and Southern dynasties (5^th – 6^th centuries AD) and became increasingly common in the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th centuries.

The use of glazed terracotta tiles in the construction of imperial palaces reached its peak in the Ming and Qing dyanasties. The rooftops of architectural masterpieces of period, such as those found in the Forbidden City, are adorned with glazed mythical creatures, including dragons, seahorses, and phoenixes. These beasts brought aesthetic beauty to the rooftop and conveyed the importance of the edifice and its contents.

Additionally, the beasts themselves were symbolical and spiritually functional. They might represent the ruler’s power or serve to ward off evil spirits and misfortune. In particular, certain dragons, owls, and sea-creatures like our merman, were placed on a rooftop to prevent fire.