A Fine Pair of Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Painted Pottery Tiles - Deer

This fine-quality pair of highly decorative pottery tiles was made during the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368 - 1644). They are made from a grey pottery and the decoration in relief features a pair of deer in a landscape. Note the detail to the deer, the carved and incised decoration as well as the impressed flower blossoms to the deers' bodies. The relief decoration has been cold-painted in various coloured pigments, good traces of which still remain.

The deer symbolises longevity, living to a great age and said to be the only animal which can find Lingzhi, the sacred fungus of long life and immortality - this is what each deer holds in its mouth.

The total length of the two tiles when placed together is 73 cm (28.75 inches), height 37 cm (14.5 inches). Overall condition is exceptional. There are minor losses in places but there is no obvious sign of repair although this should not be ruled out. Note: damage and losses to tiles are not uncommon (indeed, tiles held by the British Museum have losses, breaks and repairs).

A fine example of Chinese art that would look good within a collection of Chinese pottery or indeed adorning the wall of any modern apartment.

See also a second very similar pair of tiles that we are selling separately, stock number MC277.

These tiles are available to view here at our gallery in Brighton.

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