East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 1644 to 1912 CE. A pair of colorful, detailed, mold-made ceramic roof tiles, depicting standing mythical birds known as fenghuang atop a curved tile base. The birds have detailed plumage and long, serpent-like tails; their feet are clawed and fierce. Their heads are rooster-like, with a large crest that flows backward from the head; they have large eyes that gaze forward down their short beaks. They are largely yellow and green, with colors familiar from sancai glaze, aside from their cream-colored beaks, eyes, and small wattles. The fenghuang is sometimes called the "August Rooster" or the Phoenix. 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. They reflect the international appeal of Chinese design. Size of each (they are almost identical): 8.6" L x 4" W x 10.6" H (21.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 26.9 cm)

Provenance: ex Java House Imports, New Orleans, Louisanna, USA, recovered from a Hurrican Katrina house that was set to be demolished.

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#129002

One has a tiny chip from one wing, while the other is missing a single toe; otherwise they are in excellent condition, with beautiful weathered surfaces with light deposits and glaze craquelure.