Chinese Ming Monumental Dragon Roof Tile Pair

Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 AD. A very large and spectacular pair of glazed ceramic dragon (long) ridge-tiles from a roof, each in two sections with green glaze finish and mustard-yellow detailing, with flowers, fungi, waves and other motifs to each side, the flanks with wave-pattern scrolls; hollow to the underside. [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] 83.9 kg total, 100-103cm long overall (39 1/4 - 40 1/2"). Property of an American gentleman; acquired 1970s-1990s; accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report number C119d5 issued by Oxford Authentication Ltd. The Chinese dragon or long may have many zoomorphic forms such as a turtle or fish, but is usually depicted as serpentine with four legs. It generally symbolizes potent and beneficial powers, particularly those with control over water, including storms and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. In Imperial China, the Emperor used the dragon as a symbol of his strength and power. Notably, the founder of the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), Liu Bang, claimed that he was conceived when his mother dreamt of a dragon. The first legendary ruler of China, the so-called Yellow Emperor, was said to have been transformed into a dragon and then ascended to Heaven. Females in the imperial family, however, were associated with the fenghuang or phoenix. [4]
Condition Report: Fine condition.