Chinese Early 20th C. Glazed Porcelain Roof Tile of a Warrior Riding a Monkey

Description

Uncover the cultural richness of late 19th-century Qing Dynasty China with this original glazed ceramic roof tile of a warrior riding a monkey. The manufacture of glazed tiles was standardized in the Ming Dynasty and during the Qing Dynasty into the Republican Era. Glazed tiles became ever more popular for top-tier buildings, including palace halls in the Forbidden City and ceremonial temples like the Heavenly Temple. This piece is an original roof tile from that region, depicting a warrior engaged in combat while riding a monkey. In Chinese culture, the monkey is recognized as a mischievous and cunning animal symbolizing power and intelligence. The monkey holds a peach in its hand, a symbol of health and immortality. Both the warrior and the simian companion are intricately detailed, from their elaborate costumes to their finely sculpted features. Mounted on a wooden base, this remarkable piece comes from the private collection of Mexican industry giant Lorenzo Zambrano Treviño.