Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty Terracotta Sancai tile - 37 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 2,600 - € 3,500
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Chinese Ming Dynasty sancai glazed terracotta roof tile featuring a finely modelled equestrian figure, 37 × 27 cm; provenance from a Belgian private collection, acquired in 2026 in the Netherlands; authentic, original, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Chinese Sancai-Glazed Roof Tile with Equestrian Figure – Ming Dynasty, 14th to 17th Century AD
An impressive architectural roof tile surmounted by a finely modelled equestrian figure, produced in moulded earthenware and finished with vibrant sancai-style lead glazes in rich green, amber and dark brown tones. The composition depicts a dignified court official or noble rider mounted upon a spirited horse standing atop a semi-cylindrical roof tile, its base enriched with stylised cloud scrolls. The rider wears flowing ceremonial robes and an elaborate headdress, while the horse is rendered with expressive facial features, raised foreleg and carefully modelled tack, reflecting the lively sculptural tradition of late imperial Chinese architectural ornament.
Such figural roof ornaments decorated the ridgelines and eaves of temples, shrines, palaces and high-ranking official buildings, where they combined decorative splendour with symbolic and apotropaic functions. During the Ming Dynasty, glazed architectural ceramics reached an exceptional level of technical and artistic refinement, continuing traditions established during earlier dynasties while developing a more robust sculptural style. The distinctive sancai palette of green, amber and brown glazes was widely employed on architectural ceramics intended for prestigious buildings, making pieces such as this highly representative of Ming architectural art.
The underside displays the characteristic hollow construction and firing hole associated with large architectural roof tiles, confirming its original function as an architectural element rather than a free-standing sculpture. The vibrant surviving glazes, excellent modelling and substantial dimensions make this an impressive example of Ming glazed architectural ceramic production.
Material: Terracotta with sancai lead glaze
Culture: Chinese, Ming Dynasty
Date: 14th to 17th Century AD
Dimensions: 37 × 27 cm
Provenance: Acquired in the Netherlands. From a Belgian private collection assembled during the 1990s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Chinese Sancai-Glazed Roof Tile with Equestrian Figure – Ming Dynasty, 14th to 17th Century AD
An impressive architectural roof tile surmounted by a finely modelled equestrian figure, produced in moulded earthenware and finished with vibrant sancai-style lead glazes in rich green, amber and dark brown tones. The composition depicts a dignified court official or noble rider mounted upon a spirited horse standing atop a semi-cylindrical roof tile, its base enriched with stylised cloud scrolls. The rider wears flowing ceremonial robes and an elaborate headdress, while the horse is rendered with expressive facial features, raised foreleg and carefully modelled tack, reflecting the lively sculptural tradition of late imperial Chinese architectural ornament.
Such figural roof ornaments decorated the ridgelines and eaves of temples, shrines, palaces and high-ranking official buildings, where they combined decorative splendour with symbolic and apotropaic functions. During the Ming Dynasty, glazed architectural ceramics reached an exceptional level of technical and artistic refinement, continuing traditions established during earlier dynasties while developing a more robust sculptural style. The distinctive sancai palette of green, amber and brown glazes was widely employed on architectural ceramics intended for prestigious buildings, making pieces such as this highly representative of Ming architectural art.
The underside displays the characteristic hollow construction and firing hole associated with large architectural roof tiles, confirming its original function as an architectural element rather than a free-standing sculpture. The vibrant surviving glazes, excellent modelling and substantial dimensions make this an impressive example of Ming glazed architectural ceramic production.
Material: Terracotta with sancai lead glaze
Culture: Chinese, Ming Dynasty
Date: 14th to 17th Century AD
Dimensions: 37 × 27 cm
Provenance: Acquired in the Netherlands. From a Belgian private collection assembled during the 1990s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Ming dynasty
Century/timeframe
14th to 17th Century AD
Name of object
Sancai tile
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
37 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1940
Width
27 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
