#goutou

Roof-Tile, Ming Dynasty (Circa: 1366-1400), China,

Made in: Probably made in Zhubaoshan, near Yuhuatai, south Nanjing, China: Jiangsu (province)

Earthenware 'goutou' tile terminal with moulded decoration beneath a yellow glaze. This circular goutou tile terminal has a raised border 2 cm wide and a relief-moulded dragon in the centre, covered with a golden-yellow glaze which has pooled on the lower edge. The dragon has a scaly sinewy body and paws with five flexed claws. It twists round, prancing on its front legs and turning its back legs under and over its tail.