Download 218. Lion Dog Tiles China, Ming Dynasty ( 1368 – 1644 ) H:21 cm L

Est. 1968
218. Lion Dog Tiles
China, Ming Dynasty ( 1368 – 1644 )
H:21 cm L:17 cm
A pair of thick unglazed pottery tiles, with a deep edge. In the middle of each tile is a lion dog, moulded in high
relief; one facing left, the other right. Both have open mouths, teeth bared and protruding eyes, under bushy
eyebrows. The head and chin have a row of stylized curls. The mane runs down the back, ending in a bushy tail.
There are traces of white slip and colour pigments, predominantly black, which highlight the eyes, mouth and hair.
There are two holes on the bottom of the tiles, probably for fixing them to a surface with pins. They would have been
produced using wooden moulds, then individually finished by hand, before firing. Because lion dogs are associated
with Buddhism, it can be assumed they once formed part of the decorative scheme of a temple or tomb complex.
As they are unglazed, they were made for indoor use.
This type of lion is a very popular motif, often recurring in Chinese art. They are also referred to as a Fo Dogs or
Buddhist Lions. They bear little resemblance to real lions, as they are usually stylized as fantastical creatures with
exaggerated features. From the Ming Dynasty onwards, they took on a more dog-like appearance, with bulging
eyes, pug-like face and a short bushy tail. Allegedly, even Pekinese pugs were even bred to look like them. Lion
nachtegaalslaantje 1 • 5211 le ’s-hertogenbosch • the netherlands
tel . +31 (0)73 - 614 62 51 • www.vanderven.com • [email protected]
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Est. 1968
dogs are generally associated with Buddhism, as legend has it that Buddha once entered a temple and instructed
his two accompanying lions to wait outside - which they did dutifully. This is said to be the reason that lions are
found at the gates of Buddhist temples and entrances of sacred halls - symbols of guardianship and wisdom.
In the Ming Dynasty, the use of brick and tiles became much more widespread. Particularly for official buildings,
palaces and temples; sturdier structures gradually replacing wooden buildings. However, strict sumptuary laws still
laid down restrictions for ‘common people’, who were forbidden to use bright colours and were limited in the volume
of edifices. In earlier periods, these more durable and more expensive materials were only used in city walls and
gates, temples and subterranean tomb architecture. Ever increasing use of tiles and bricks in architecture, was due
to technical developments as well as economic growth. This ensured, that by the Ming Dynasty, there was a thriving
industry producing glazed and unglazed wares. Although members of the imperial family were certainly the most
prestigious client for architectural pottery, the largest customers by far were the numerous temple complexes all
over China.
A slightly earlier unglazed tile, decorated in relief with a lion dog, is in The Metropolitan Museum, New York, has
(Acc.nr.30.76.124). The Nanjing Municipal Museum holds a large moulded and sculpted glazed tile, from the Great
Monastery of Filial Gratitude (1412-31). Various pottery tiles, glazed and unglazed, are in the collection of the
British Museum, London (nr.1983.7-25.1 & 1909.5-12.34).
Provenance:
Private Collection, UK
nachtegaalslaantje 1 • 5211 le ’s-hertogenbosch • the netherlands
tel . +31 (0)73 - 614 62 51 • www.vanderven.com • [email protected]
iban: nl53fvlb0225735911 • bic: fvlbnl22 • vat nl 148693003 b01 • k.v.k. 55447376