Accession Number
1979/2.7

Title
Roof Tile

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
100-199

Medium & Support
earthenware

Dimensions
2 15/16 in x 6 11/16 in x 1 1/4 in (7.5 cm x 17 cm x 3.2 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Greiner

Subject matter
An important development for Chinese wooden architecture was the use of ceramic roof tiles to replace thatching. Used as both a functional and decorative feature on Qin (221-206 BCE) palaces, round eaves head tiles or wa dang (瓦当) featured a variety of  auspicious geometric, calligraphic, and natural designs. Used throughout Chinese history to adorn palaces, temples, shrines, and houses, and lasting through the dynasties to the present day, they have become an important architectural component that has contributed to the unique aesthetic of Chinese architecture.  This particular tile features a cloud scroll motif, divided into four sections, around a central motif which is now missing.

Physical Description
This is a fragment of a circlular roof eave tile or wa dang (瓦当) earthenware, with an impressed cloud pattern.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
roof tile

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
ceramic (material)
earthenware
eaves tile
tile