Lot 144A
East Asia, China, Song Dynasty, ca. 960 to 1279 CE. A captivating architectural tile made from baked terracotta and depicting a mythical creature with lion- and dragon-like traits rendered in low to high relief. The action-packed scene is quite dramatic - just look at that muscular body leaping into action. What's more, the beast's expression is quite fierce - note those fierce fangs and gnashing teeth, those beady eyes, as well as that wild mane and tail! Further contributing to the brilliance of the piece and providing a sense of depth to the composition is an attractive curvilinear border framing the scene. Size: 11.625" W x 7" H (29.5 cm x 17.8 cm); 8.75" H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.
The tile derives from the Song Dynasty - a long and peaceful ruling dynasty in China; which is why it was such an important period of fine art. It succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It possessed the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy. This dynasty also saw the first known use of gunpowder, as well as first discernment of true north using a compass. Extremely educated and cultured, the people of the Song Dynasty embellished their buildings with artistic decorative tiles like this example.
Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private old English collection
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#142801
- Condition: Losses to peripheries as shown and some chips to the verso. Expected surface wear with some abrasions commensurate with age. Nice earthen deposits. Root marks especially visible on the back.
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