Roof tile

14th–17th century

Zoomorphic ornaments were generally placed at the front of a roof's main ridge. This special figure, mounted on a dragon, is also part of a series that covers the entire length of the ridge. Besides adorning the roof of a building, the figures are also believed to bring good fortune to the occupants.

Ceramic tile with low-fired lead glaze

30 x 31 x 8 1/2in. (76.2 x 78.7 x 21.6cm)

Gift of Henry and Mary Ann James, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2007.24

Photo: Susan Cole

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "SAM at 75: Building a Collection for Seattle", May 5, 2007 - September 9, 2007

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, "Chinese Art: A Seattle Perspective", December 22, 2007 - July 26, 2009 (12/22/2007 - 7/26/2009)

Published ReferencesYiu, Josh. "The Chinese Connection and the Chinese Collection at the Seattle Art Museum," A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 162, illus. 139.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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