Description
A polychrome Chinese glazed architectural tile, in the shape of an inkstone, possibly depicting three Kalavinkas amongst lotus flowers around an entryway. Kalavinkas are mythical immortal creatures associated with Buddhism. They are usually depicted with wings and a bird-like body with the head of a human. As one of the eight treasures and a sacred flower, the lotus holds a special place within Chinese symbolism, esteemed by in Taoism, Buddhism and within many other contexts. It represents purity, enlightenment and perfection as it grows out of mud yet remains unsullied, much in the same manner as buddha who is born into this world, yet remains above it. Buddha himself is often represented as seated on the sacred lotus.
Some experts suggest this tile can be dated to the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) based on the general overall stylization and combination of the lotus and Kalavinkas, imagery which tracks closely with Liao dynasty gold pendants. What’s particularly interesting about this piece is it was taken back to Japan at some point and (either before or after) it was used as an actual inkstone, as can be seen by remnants of dried ink in the well compartment.
Size (cm) 30 x 25 x 4