Chinese
Roof Tile, Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644
Not on view
Ceramic
Dimensions41 × 39 × 14 in. (104.1 × 99.1 × 35.6 cm)
Gift of Dr. Gerald J. Shepps, 2005.28.1-2
The roof apex of large structures, like a temple or palace, was often topped with a ridge of sculptural figures. Many of them were mythological animals which garnered them the nickname “ridge beasts”. These sculptures would be brightly painted so they could easily be seen from the ground. They not only played a decorative role but also helped with roof stability because they weighed down the other layers for roofing. Each creature had a different meaning or association and many people believed that they would prevent fire and drive away demons.
