Tomb Tile with Phoenix Design
Asian Art
This tile, which was originally placed on the interior wall of a tomb chamber, depicts the "red bird of the south" (Chinese: zhuque), one of the mythical animals of the four directions. The bird's head, tail, and clawed feet extend to a border of honeysuckle vines. Molded polychrome tiles of this type were typical tomb decorations in the south of China from the later Northern Wei dynasty (A.D. 386–535) to the early Tang dynasty (A.D. 618–906).
MEDIUM
Molded clay with pigment
DATES
20th century
PERIOD
Modern
DIMENSIONS
7 3/4 x 14 1/2 in. (19.7 x 36.8 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Asian Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
67.229.3
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Manheim
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Depicting a standing phoenix bird with feet outstretched and tail raised. A smaller one can be seen to the left. The phoenix faces the left of the tile. Other flying fowl are seen on the right of the phoenix. There is a border of floral design around the entire tile. The major phoenix is painted in red and green and kind of brownish orange body tone. The other birds also have remains of red and green paint as well as a white ground under the paint.
Object appears to be of the late Northern Wei or Early Tang dynasty, circa late 6th - early 7th century, but TL testing of clay body indicates that it was fired in the 20th century.
Condition: Excellent; incrustations of dirt throughout.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Tomb Tile with Phoenix Design, 20th century. Molded clay with pigment, 7 3/4 x 14 1/2 in. (19.7 x 36.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Manheim, 67.229.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 67.229.3_PS9.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 67.229.3_PS9.jpg., 2019
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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