New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Architectural Roof Top Decoration in the Form of an Official Riding a Phoenix

Artist Unknown

CultureChinese | Ming Dynasty

Date1368-1644

MediumEarthenware | Glaze | High-fired earthenware with variegated lead-fluxed glazes over molded decoration

DimensionsOverall: 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
Base: 6 x 6 3/4 in. (15.2 x 17.1 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Harry B. Jordan

Object number52.60.1

Not on view

DescriptionDecorative roof tile depicting a man seated on a large bird. His hands are folded inside his robe; he wears hourglass shaped topknot. Bird depicted to mid-body, has beak open, large upraised tail. Details on both figures incised. Design very simple and straightforward. Glaze overall green except man's face flesh-colored, headdress dark brown and straw. Green irridescent.

Published ReferencesThiel, A., _Chinese Pottery and Stoneware_, New York (n.d.) p. 86 (green on a roof tile means peach and serenity for the people living beneath it); Burling, CHINESE ART, p. 158 ("Traditionally, the row of figures on a roof begins with a man riding astride a cock into the dawn...yellow for imperial roofs; green for houses of officials").