| DESCRIPTION: An exceedingly rare and finely crafted Chinese grey pottery pictorial tile, executed with impressed designs of horses and phoenixes. Characteristic of architectural tiles found on walls of cave tombs in Sichuan Province, this one depicts three lively prancing horses with five stylized phoenixes overhead. This handsome tile has been decoratively edged on the top and bottom with a repeating diamond pattern border. The faint red pigment seen in several places is actually ancient calligraphy detailing its placement in the structure, i.e. “Westside of the entrance.” Rarely do such outstanding architectural tiles come available on the market, and we are pleased to offer this one here.
The tile has been professionally mounted in a “shadow box” format with a gold leaf wood frame, and the back is fitted with a French mount that holds the tile’s weight while hanging. This particular tile was not T.L. tested, but was among a group from the same series in which several were tested. A color copy of one of those tests, done in April of 2002 by Oxford Authentication, is included with the tile, and dates the set from the Eastern Han Dynasty, c. 100- 220 A.D. (authenticity is guaranteed). Several tiles from this series were prominently featured in the publication, “Celestial Horses,” published by T.K. Inc., with a preface by Brian A. Dursum, Director of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. A copy of this publication is included with the tile. We were fortunate enough to acquire two tiles from this series, and are keeping one for our personal collection. The other is offered here. DIMENSIONS: 52 ½” long x 24 ½” high x 2 1/4” thick (includes frame).
Price: $8,900 Stock #PTA33 |
