ANTIQUE CHINESE KYLIN QILIN CERAMIC POTTERY ROOF TILE
Unlike many of the so-called ‘antique’ roof tiles seen for sale on web sites and recently on eBay, this one is actually old and had clearly really been out in the elements for a very long time. This was purchased almost 40 years ago from a reputable antique dealer and it is worth noting that when I bought this all those years ago there was not the access now available to China and the market was not flooded as it is now with reproductions of tourist-available “artifacts” that have obviously never been removed from a roof and the ”wear” is of dubious origin. Run the magnifying cursor over my pictures, especially the 4th one that is a close-up of the face to see the real wear on this piece all over the glazing, not just on the obviously worn spots.
This is not my area of expertise but I have been told that mine is well over 100 years old, perhaps considerably older. I would appreciate hearing from any eBayers with more information. You can see the rain streaking, caked dust, and some chipping, as on top of the tail, that tell a story of being on a roof in China for a century or more. Underneath, there is a 'CHOP' maker's mark, that is a square with chinese characters in it.
The tile is 9.5"L x 6"W x 11"H. The Kylin is 7.5"L x 3.25"W x 9"H. The tile weighs between 9 and 10 pounds.The color is a deep jade green, similar to malachite, in a matte glaze that has weathered over time.
Some History: “The kylin is an animal in ancient Chinese mythology. It is somewhat like a deer, with horns on the head and scales over the body, always shown with cloven hooves. Its tail is like that of an ox's. The kylin is said to be an animal of longevity that could live for 2,000 years. It is also believed that the beast could spit fire and roar like thunder. The Kylin is one of the "Four Divine Creatures", the other three being the phoenix, the turtle and the dragon. In ancient times, it was regarded as a celestial animal, a benevolent animal, the mount for god and a symbol of auspiciousness. Of all animals, the kylin was ranked second only to the dragon.
The kylin is a carrier of profound cultural connotations. In ancient Chinese culture, there are lots of legends about the relations between kylin and emperors. It was widely believed that the animal would convey the will of Heaven and therefore dictate the rise and fall of a dynasty. In folk culture, there's a saying of "the kylin bringing a child". Common people regard the animal as a divine creature bringing children to them. It is said that Confucius was brought by a kylin. The animal is also used to describe a brilliantly talented person.
In traditional Chinese folk customs, various ornaments bearing kylin images are made and given to children as a talisman that could bring luck and protection. The images of the kylin can still be found today. The most famous ones are the auspicious guarding creatures in the imperial mausoleums of the Southern Dynasty located in Qixia Town of Nanjing. The images of these creatures are derived from kylins.”
They were therefore put on buildings for protection of the inhabitants, and to bring good fortune...as well as decoration like the gargoyles and grotesques on European churches and palaces.
This is a real Chinese antiquity and will surely enhance your collection. It will at the least give an authentic Asian flavor to your decor, and be one heck of a conversation piece.
Shipping is by USPS Priority Insured unless you request another insured carrier prior to payment. If you don't mind shipping taking a little longer I can arrange a less expensive USPS ground with Insurance, and either refund you or invoice an adjusted amount... from ecperiece it does NEED INSURANCE with the USPS, as I have found out 3x already this year alone.
thanks and Good Luck!