中国古代，明朝 Terracotta 三彩瓷砖 - 37 cm

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.

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