In
Chinese cosmology, there are five sacred creatures that symbolize the four cardinal
directions; the snake and tortoise for the north, the white tiger for the west,
red pheonix for the south, and for the east, this large hollow-cored dragon was
most likely part of a roof structure corresponding to the east. Its chief purpose
is to produce an auspicious aura which creates a positive cosmic current generating
favorable Feng Shui.
Among
important Chinese architectural relics discorvered in China, this magnificient
large brick (or roof tile) is a splendid testament to a time when symbolism played
a major role in architectural design. On each side it depicts a frolicking dragon
with wide opened mouth, bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, large fangs and a flaming
red tongue. The dragon is energetic and menacing. Considering that the dragon
is an emblem of the Chinese imperial rule, this large hollow brick would have
been made for the roof structure of an official building. The brick comes from
the Shanxi area, where large glazed-tile factories abounded during the Ming. The
absence of ceramic glaze on this otherwise well sculpted piece indicates that
the brick was likely produced during the Late Ming to Early Qing era.
