East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, later part of the period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A dramatic, brightly-painted ceramic roof tile in the form of a riding warrior astride a mythical, horse-bodied, lion-headed beast. The rider is turned back, looking behind him, as his mount rushes forward, mouth open, towards some unknown danger. Both rider and mount are richly decorated with applied ceramic details like clothing, fur, and whiskers. According to Chinese tradition, roofs are understood to be loci of communication between the living and the spiritual realms. As a consequence, they are often decorated to ward off evil and act as a magnet for good fortune and blessings. Size: 12.2" W x 13.65" H (31 cm x 34.7 cm); 14.8" H (37.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection; acquired at Indochine Gallery

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#134481

Some stable surface cracks, most notable on the back of the piece. Excellent craquelure surface.