CHINA - WANLI period (1563-1620) - Lot 79

Lot n° 79
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Estimation :
3000 - 5000 EUR
CHINA - WANLI period (1563-1620) - Lot 79
CHINA - WANLI period (1563-1620) Terracotta butt-tile with yellow ochre glaze, in the shape of a stylized lotus petal, decorated in its center with a relief of a five-clawed dragon running among a Buddhist cloud and a ball of vitality. L. 31 cm - H. 22 cm Incomplete of its back tile formerly broken. Small chips of glaze. Provenance: memories of a French naval officer posted in the Far East in the 1930s, then by descent. This type of tile, typical of the Ming period, was placed in a roof fall to facilitate the flow of rain by its pointed shape, but also to provide symbolic protection against malevolent spirits. Multiplied as many times as necessary to cover the outer edge of the building, the frieze thus formed contributed to underline their architecture and monumentality. The dragon seems to have been mainly reserved for official imperial buildings, of which there are many examples, notably at the site of the Ming emperors' tombs (see one of the offering pavilions of the Wanli tomb), or at the Forbidden City in Beijing where it adorns a large number of gates and pavilions in different stylistic variants. A similar example complete with its back tile is displayed in the Dingling museum, mausoleum of Emperor Wanli. A scientific report of thermoluminescence from CIRAM, confirming the dating (16th century) on a sample of material, will be given to the buyer. (Note two small sampling holes on the back)
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