Minneapolis Institute of Art

A pair of roof tiles in the form of mounted warriors

China

Date

19th century

Medium

Ceramic, glaze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This matched pair of roof tiles depicts armored warriors mounted on alert, advancing horses, combining architectural function with symbolic protection. Once installed along roof ridges, such figures were believed to guard buildings against fire, evil spirits, and misfortune. The paired arrangement reinforces ideas of balance and vigilance, while the warriors’ composed expressions and disciplined posture convey control rather than aggression. Rich turquoise, amber, and green glazes animate both rider and horse, ensuring visibility from below. In Qing visual culture, the mounted warrior embodied loyalty, martial readiness, and cosmic guardianship. By placing horse and rider high above the structure, these roof ornaments transformed the building into a protected, hierarchically ordered space under constant watch. China, Asia

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