Roof Tile with a Lotus Blossom

Currently not on view

Roof Tile with a Lotus Blossom

7th century

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

The majority of extant Korean roof tiles are either flat (female) or curved (male). These two shapes were joined together to create large, overhanging eaves that often extended several feet beyond the walls of a structure. To finish the roof, decorative tiles, such as this piece with a lotus blossom, were affixed to the eave endings. Upon the introduction of Buddhism to the Korean peninsula in the fourth century, the lotus, a symbol of purity in Buddhism, became the most popular decorative motif.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Roof Tile with a Lotus Blossom

Date:

7th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Korean

Medium:

Earthenware with molded decoration

Dimensions:

1 5/8 x 6 1/4 inches (4.1 x 15.9 cm)

Classification:

Architecture (including fragments)

Credit Line:

Gift of Colonel Stephen McCormick, 1985

Accession Number:

1985-81-1

Geography:

Made in Korea, Asia

Context:

Period: Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE-668 CE)

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Currently not on view