Roof Tile

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more

Currently not on view

Roof Tile

19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Known in Japan as onigawara, or “devil tiles,” these ornamental architectural elements performed a function similar to that of gargoyles, serving as protective symbols to ward off evil. This example depicts a dragon-like creature hovering above clouds and waves. During the Edo period, a mandatory switch from thatched or cedar rooftops to those made of ceramic tiles was instituted in order to prevent the spread of fire in urban areas.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Roof Tile
Oni-gawara

Date:

19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Earthenware

Dimensions:

15 1/2 x 26 3/4 inches (39.4 x 67.9 cm)

Classification:

Architecture (including fragments)

Credit Line:

Gift of Andrea M. Baldeck, M.D., and William M. Hollis, Jr., 2007

Accession Number:

2007-22-1

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Edo Period (1615-1868)

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view

More like this:

1/12