Antique Chinese Chiwen (Dragon) Sancai-Glazed Roof Tile: Qing Dynasty

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Traveling Man Treasures is selling this exquisite antique Chinese glazed ceramic roof ridge tile depicting a mythical beast known as … Read more Traveling Man Treasures is selling this exquisite antique Chinese glazed ceramic roof ridge tile depicting a mythical beast known as a Chiwen (蚩吻). The sculpture originates from the Qing Dynasty (c. 1644–1912) and features a dragon head with stylized scrolling tendrils and whiskers around the jaw, tapering upward into a curved, flame-like or fin-like tail decorated with wavy lines. The piece is covered in a deep green lead glaze, heavily resembling the iconic Sancai (three-color) glazing palette popular during the Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The sculpture is in good condition for its age and structurally sound, with only a few small chips as shown in the photos.

DIMENSIONS: 11" H x 10.5" L x 4.5" W

In Chinese mythology, the Chiwen is one of the nine sons of the dragon. It is a chimeric, water-dwelling beast traditionally associated with controlling water and rain. Because these beasts rule over water, their likenesses were placed on the main roof ridges of imperial palaces, temples, and grand residential courtyards to act as spiritual guardians against fire. They were typically installed flanking both ends of the highest horizontal ridge of a roof. They visually "swallowed" the roof ridge to ward away evil influences and anchor the structural tiling. See less