Han Dynasty Style Pottery Roof Eave Tile Fragment

Western Han Dynasty, c. 206 BC – 220 AD, China

A fascinating circular pottery roof tile fragment, finely molded with a depiction of the Red Bird (Zhuque)—an enduring emblem of vitality, protection, and auspicious power in ancient China. Possibly dating to the Han period, this fragment exemplifies the artistic and architectural sophistication achieved during one of China’s most illustrious dynasties.

Han tiles (wadang) enjoyed great renown in antiquity, their use reaching its zenith during the Western Han Dynasty. By solving the architectural challenge of rain protection, they transformed Chinese roofs from simple thatched coverings into enduring clay-and-wood structures of great beauty and durability. These decorated eave tiles were positioned along the roof edges, protecting joints while serving as striking ornamental elements that displayed both artistry and status.

The motif likely draws inspiration from the Four Mythical Creatures—the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Vermilion (Red) Bird of the South, and the Black Tortoise of the North—each representing a cardinal direction, season, and cosmic force.

An evocative relic of early Chinese architecture, this piece perfectly captures the Han Dynasty’s balance of functionality, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.

Good condition. Surface wear, chip and abrasions consistent with age, with areas of encrusted patina and rich earthen deposits across the surface. Size approx. 17,9cm x 18,0cm x 1,9cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection.

For a similar examples see: 

Eave tile (fragment), Royal Ontario Museum, Accession Number: 922.20.330 (https://collections.rom.on.ca/objects/322429/eave-tile-fragment?ctx=2dc650a934f86ed2090d1b8e203a53e585aca2bb&idx=49)

Roof tile end with dragon, 206 BCE–9 CE, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Accession Number: 2001.154.10 (https://collections.artsmia.org/art/51836/roof-tile-end-with-dragon-china)

Roof Tile End,  The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 18.56.31 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/49529)