East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 1368 to 1644 CE. A beautiful architectural tile made of stucco, depicting a stylized and mythical creature within the recessed center. The creature is the mythical foo dog, sometimes known as a fu dog or lion, a stylized representation of a lion with dog like aspects. Here he is depicted in relief, as if leaping, with a ball and trailing ribbons. The ball and swirling shapes may represent the strands of an endless knot; the endless or eternal knot is an auspicious sign of wisdom and interconnectedness. The foo dog is a spiritual guardian that protected sacred buildings, tombs, or palaces against evil spirits or people. It was not uncommon to see these sacred beings guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare evil spirits. This is a lovely tile, not only infused with artwork, but with auspicious meaning! Size: 12.5" L x 2" W x 6" H (31.8 cm x 5.1 cm x 15.2 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private French collection, acquired before 2005
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#164019
Condition
Stable fissure in upper corner on frontside and small cavities and chips on ground around the motif. Chips to peripheries and abrasions. Motif details are very clear and sharp! Light mineral and mortar deposits.