China - Table of Contents........... Architecture Around the World

Tile-ends (Wadangs)
Shaanxi History Museum
Xi'an, China

A Wadang (tile-end) is a particular piece of tile that is placed over the last tile in each line of tiles on the traditional Chinese roof. Therefore tile-ends are placed all the way along the eaves of the sloping roof. They were important components of tiles in ancient Chinese architecture and served as protective and decorative functions. Wadang adorned with molded designs was first manufactured during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771BC), but the use of stylized characters as architectural ornaments appears to have developed in the state of Yan during the Warring States Period. The tradition flourished during the Qin (221-206BC) and Han (206BC-220AD) dynasties. - Cultural China (online December 2013)

On display in November 2013 All the tile-ends were excavated from Xi'an and suburbs Leopard design. 475-221 B.C. Cranes and clouds design. 475-221 B.C. Deer design. 475-221 B.C. Phoenix design. 770-475 B. B. Cloud pattern. 221-207 B.C. Cloud pattern. 221-207 B.C.

Miscellaneous tiles Details below: Cloud pattern in three quadrants Lotus design Lotus design