Antique Chinese Warrior On Dragon Roof Tile Decoration.

Description: Antique Chinese Warrior On Dragon Roof Tile Decoration. An exceptional estate sale find. This magnificent Warrior on a Dragon is a true piece of Chinese art. Whimsical Chinese tile depicting a Warrior on a Dragon, perhaps guarding the building. These tiles were historically used in roofing on traditional Chinese buildings, particularly temples or palaces. Like the palace halls in the Forbidden City and ceremonial temples like the Heavenly Temple. They are known for their vibrant colors, intricate designs and symbolic meanings. The craftsmanship of this antique tile reflects the high level of artistry and cultural significance in Chinese architecture. Quite simply, this is the most impressive Chinese Roof Tile Decoration I have ever encountered. Believed to be early 20th Century Polychrome Stoneware in soft colors of green, mauve, ivory and beige. Polychrome is glazed ceramic from Taiwan that is fired at low temperatures and is famous for its soft colours. It was introduced from the Guangdong-Zhangzhou region in China about two hundred years ago, and gradually developed into a unique Taiwanese art form. I found it interesting that sometimes these warriors are mounted on carp, and sometimes on dragons. In mythology, creatures with scales are easily interchanged: snakes and dragons readily morph into fish or sea-monsters, and vice versa. The transition from dragon to fish is easier if you understand The Chinese Legend of the leaping carp. The legend says that, at Hunan, in the high cliffs, there is a waterfall on the Yellow River called the Dragon Gate. And if a carp leaps high enough to scale the waterfall, it will be magically transformed into a dragon. From this comes the comes a rather nice proverb, “The carp has leaped through the dragon's gate,” implying that those who persevere and keep trying hard can reap great rewards even if they are of humble origins. The first Koji master in Taiwan, Ye Wang from Guangdong, was especially celebrated for his carmine glaze, which included lead compounds to make the flux and gold nanoparticles to create the color. Mounted on a dark wood shadowbox frame. Professionally framed with 3 screws on the reverse side. I cannot get to the front side to see how it was affixed. There's usually a signature on the underside, but I cannot get to it without unmounting th piece. Even if I could establish it as Koji it wouldn't pinpoint the date, because the first Koji master began his work more than 200 years ago. The frame is 20” wide, 18” high, and 4” deep. The figure itself is 14.5” idle and 14” high. CONDITION: Excellent antique condition. No damage to the piece itself. Minor scuffs and stain to the cloth backing. Please pay within 3 days. If you cannot do that, and need more time, let me know. I am easy to work with. Just communicate with me. I will try to ship within 1 business day of payment receipt. SHIPPING: If costs seem excessive, note that this is a heavy piece, with detailed features that will require special packing and handling to ensure safe travel. This is a no smoking home. But we do have 2 cats, so we may send you an occasional cat hair.

Price: 999 USD

Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina

End Time: 2025-02-03T00:10:15.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD