East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A pair of brilliant mold-made ceramic roof tiles depicting mythical birds known as fenghuang, each atop a curved tile base and adorned with lustrous glaze in shades of emerald, ochre, and cream. Both standing upon sharp talons, these fantastical feathered friends boast elaborate plumage and lengthy, serpentine tails that coil upwards. Their rooster-like heads present sizable eyes that gaze down their tapered beaks, all topped with flowing crest feathers. A petite wattle rests below each avian visage. The decoration of these beautiful birds is known as Sancai, or "three colors", referring to the three vibrant hues with which they are adorned. A traditional bird of Chinese mythology, the fenghuang is sometimes called the "August Rooster" or the Phoenix. Size: 8.75" L x 4" W x 10.875" H (22.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 27.6 cm)

Reflecting the international appeal of Chinese design, these examples have a fascinating international history - they were brought to the United States and stood for many years on the roof of a house in New Orleans, before being salvaged after Hurricane Katrina.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Brass Armadillo Antique Mall; ex-Java House Imports, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#163676

One has restoration to tip of crest feather. Other has chips to front of base and proper left foot. Losses to back of both from being removed from roof. Both are excellent with lovely craquelure to glaze.