Accession Number
1979/2.5

Title
Blue glazed roof tile from the Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
2nd half of 17th century - 18th century

Medium & Support
earthenware with blue glaze

Dimensions
5 1/4 in. x 3 7/8 in. x 1 15/16 in. ( 13.4 cm x 9.9 cm x 5 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Greiner

Subject matter
The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and God's world – which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/881/

Physical Description
Blue glazed roof tile from the Temple of Heaven, Beijing. It has five rising vertical swirls and a thick base.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
roof tile

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
earthenware
roofing tile
tile