Китай. 1500.
This tile depicts a guardian figure. Chinese builders incorporated roof ornamentation that symbolised the key position of the roof as the bridge supporting the movement of spirits between heaven and earth. The blessings of auspicious spiritual forces were sought; evil spirits were repelled through the medium of tile decoration. This heroic galloping celestial warrior is summoned to do battle with malign forces. In the various regions of China, different names were given to such figures. They were often identified as Qin Qiong and Yuzhi Gong, generals of the Tang dynasty (618-907) famed in popular tradition for frightening away demons troubling the emperor Taizong (reigned 626-649).© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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