|
Glazed sculptural tiles are today considered one
of the hallmarks of classical Chinese
architecture. However, despite their popularity in
modern times, they were relatively scarce until
after the end of the Tang Dynasty. Even then,
during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, they were
still infrequently used. It was not until the rise of
the Ming Dynasty that glazed sculptural tiles
became a popular decorative device extensively
employed in temples, altars, imperials palaces,
and gardens. Beijing became the center of glazed
architectural tile production during the Ming
period, and colorfully decorated pagodas began
to sprout up around this region. Eaves and
entryways were decorated with vibrant sculptures
that served both decorative and sometimes
religious purposes. On temples and palaces,
representations of mounted warriors and
snarling dragons were meant to ward off
evildoers, of both the physical and spiritual kind.
This fantastic pair would have been one of the
centerpieces in the decorative scheme of a Ming
Dynasty temple. Brilliantly colored in emerald
green, turquoise and ochre hues, the tiles each
depict two snarling dragons against a
background of swirling foliage. The shape of the
tiles suggests that they would have been situated
on the curved edge of a temple roof. With their
open mouths, sharp fangs and beady eyes these
dragons would surely have been most effective at
guarding the sacred space from evil spirits. This
pair is but one part of a larger scheme that
would once have decorated the temple structure.
When we imagine the entire edifice covered with
such tiles, from the walls to the roof, the glory of
Ming Dynasty China becomes apparent.
- (DL.2078A)
|
