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Large Roof Tile End

Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Not on view

Tile ends are a decorative and functional component of traditional Chinese architecture. The example here is believed to have appeared at the end of a rooftop. The geometric relief pattern represents one of the two known decorative programs for such tiles. The pattern likely represents mythical yunqi, or “clouds and life energy,” a motif used to evoke immortality. Positioning such tile ends on a rooftop connected the building with the heavens, symbolizing it permanence.

Large Roof Tile End, Earthenware, China — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

秦大瓦当

Title: Large Roof Tile End

Period: Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Culture: China

Medium: Earthenware

Dimensions: H. 15 3/16 in. (38.5 cm); W. 30 1/8 in. (76.5 cm); D. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); Th.1 in. (2.6 cm);, Wt. 70.5 lb. (32 kg)

Classification: Ceramics

Credit Line: Lent by Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology

Accession Number: SL.1.2017.24.28

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Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.