Ming Dynasty Chiwen Roof Fragments in Turquoise and Aubergine Glaze

A pair of turquoise and aubergine glazed pottery chiwen roof…
click the photo to enlarge
A pair of turquoise and aubergine glazed pottery chiwen roof fragments, Ming Dynasty 55.5 cm high (2). Chiwen, said to be one of the dragon's nine sons, has a dragon head and fish tail. It is often installed as a pair on both ends of the main ridge on the roof, facing each other as if to swallow the ridge. In some Buddhist sutras chiwen is said to attend to the God of Rain, hence incorporating it in architecture borrows its fortuitous meaning of avoiding fire. In practical term, ironically, it is used to prevent leaking as it sits at the joint of the main and the diagonal ridges.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

A Victorian agate and gilt metal chatelaine etui 19th century fitted with bale to top and interior within complete with implements, 10 cm length

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A Maori carved stylised canoe prow, the figural form with curving tongue and multiple other entwined scrolls and figures. Length 127 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

English hallmarked sterling silver Victorian snuff box having a shaped & hand-engraved body with floral decoration, gold-gilt interior & a hinged lid. Inscibed 'To Robert Keys Esq Fort Lodge From Eugene & Elizabeth Shirny' Birmingham, 1872, maker Robert Mi

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Large Japanese porcelain Shishi dog gilt and with moriage enamels. Height 25 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.