Chinese Song Dynasty Blue Glazed Foo Dog Lion Incense Burner Figure

A pair of antique Cizhou-type cream glazed cat (mao) incense stick holders. Dating to the early Qing - possibly late Ming Dynasty, scarce near...

A remarkable pair of large Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) earthenware Imperial roof decorations - ornamental architectural terracotta roof tile beasts. 15th/16th century or earlier, Northern China, most likely Forbidden City, Dongcheng District, Beijing, figural pottery modeled as mythical qilin (foo dog / guardian lion), the crouching beast with legs back and flaming body depicted ready to pounce. Retaining partial remnants of the red wax export seal, indicating they are authentic and were legally exported out of the country. Dimensions: (approx) Largest: 18" Tall, 19" Wide, 8" Deep History: Chinese roof tiles have been a part of Chinese architecture for over 2,000 years. These unique and beautifully crafted tiles have become an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, and have gained international recognition for their beauty and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the different types of Chinese roof tiles, their construction, cultural significance, preservation and restoration techniques, and modern uses. Chinese imperial roof decorations or roof charms or roof-figures (Chinese: 檐獸/檐兽; pinyin: yán shòu) or "walking beasts" (Chinese: 走獸/走兽; pinyin: zǒu shòu) or "crouching beasts" (Chinese: 蹲獸/蹲兽; pinyin: Dūn shòu) were statutes placed along the ridge line of official buildings of the Chinese empire. Only official buildings (palaces, government buildings, and some temples) were permitted to use such roof decorations. Occasionally arranged in an outward marching procession with various different examples, the number and type indicating the importance of the duties performed within the building or within the courtyard protected by a gate. With a maximum number of nine, the mythical beast was one of the highest in rank, thus modeled set to pounce upon the man and lower ranking creatures, ready to devour them should they stray from performing their duties with faithfulness and rectitude The Design and Construction of Chinese Roofs: The roof design is an important aspect of Chinese architecture, with each component of the roof playing a specific role. Chinese roof tiles fit into the overall design of the roof and are placed on top of wooden supports called purlins. The interlocking system of Chinese roof tiles ensures that they stay in place and prevent leaks. Ridge tiles...

A wonderful pair of antique Chinese red lacquer and gilt gold painted hand carved wooden figural architectural elements turned incense burner pillars. Highly detailed carvings featuring Asian pine tree motif representing longevity, horseback rider believed warrior Guan Yu...

A magnificent pair of large antique Chinese porcelain temple Guardian Lions - Foo Dogs. The near matching male and female pair of handcrafted arc...

A gorgeous green glazed large Chinese pottery censer of Archaistic shape called a fanghu, set on a separate stand, Qing dynasty, second year of Tongzhi, 1863. The censer or incense burner crafted in two parts and covered in a thick, runny and unctuous glaze, ranging from dark green to turquoise green, to pale celadon. The neck with shou (longevity) medallions. The body decorated in relief with fruit, pomegranate and finger citron (Buddha's hand). The sides fitted with lion mask handles. The stand with a key fret design, and a pierced Chinese...

A charming Chinese green glazed pottery censer or incense burner, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century. Now suitable for use as a jardiniere or vase. The incense burner in glazed a deep green, in imitation of bronze models, and set on four tapered legs attached to a rectangular stand...

Pair of charming polychrome ceramic Foo Dog / Lions in the Qing Style. Fantastic detail and a beautiful color combination of ochre, green, brown and blue. Foo dogs are symbolic, pro...

This unique piece of ceramic has beautiful color. It also has a collector's box.