SPOTLIGHT: Ming Dynasty Dragon Panels

This Spotlight exhibition will closely examine four boldly executed Ming dynasty roof ridge fascia panels. Most likely made to adorn the main hall roof ridge of a Shanxi province temple, these four panels exemplify a Chinese tradition of embellishing architectural elements with imagery to ward off evil and attract good fortune.  Made of earthenware with amber, green and white lead sancai glaze

According to Chinese beliefs, rooftops served as platforms for intermediary communication between the heavenly and earthly realms, and in Shanxi these ceramic panels with dragon motifs would have signified water and rain.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.