Roof tile end with tiger
In ancient Chinese cosmology, the tiger symbolizes the western quadrant of the four cardinal directions. The animal was depicted on molded bricks, roof tiles, and walls of buildings to protect the living, as well as on architectural parts of tomb chambers to guard the deceased in the afterlife.
Artwork Details
- 西漢 四神陶瓦當―白虎
- Title: Roof tile end with tiger
- Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
- Culture: China
- Medium: Earthenware
- Dimensions: Diam. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); D. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
- Object Number: 18.56.30
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
ca. 2650–2350 BCE
Zhang family workshop
12th–13th century
China
ca. 1000
China
ca. 1000
China
1713–22
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