"Yellow Glazed Stoneware Tile. Ming China, 15th Century."
Stoneware tile end cap covered with yellow enamel. Molded decoration of a dragon. The style of the dragon, mane, claws, eyes and color indicate that this tile was created at the beginning of the Ming period to cover an imperial palace, probably that of Xuande or Yonglo. Very interesting moving historical document, witness to one of the most prestigious periods in the history of China. All these tiles from the 15th century of the imperial palace were all replaced, most were destroyed but some remain in some museums. An absolutely identical tile is preserved at the Museum of La Rochelle. 89x17mm