From around the Nara period (710–794) and on, affixing decorative tiles with demons to the ends of the eaves of roofs became a popular element of palace and temple architecture. This tile allows us to get a sense of the kinds of tiles produced by the government-administered Nakayama kiln for the Heijō palace of the ancient capital. The tile’s demon has a forceful expression; its eyes are opened wide and its fangs point in both directions.
NAKAGAWA AyaEnglish by Mary Lewine
Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, p.351, no.18.
Roof ridge-ornament with goblin face design (Excavated presumably from a kiln site of Nakayama, Nara)
Baked clay
(original size) 50.5x49.7
Nara period 8th century
- D001043
- D001043
- 1989/08/19
- A024003
- 1993/01/13
- A024004
- 1989/08/19
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| Accession Number | 636-0 |
|---|---|
| Category | Archaeological Works |
| Provenance | Excavated presumably from a kiln site of Nakayama, Nara |
| Bibliography | Buddhist Art Paradise: Jewels of the Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 2021.7, 354p. Illustrated catalogue of the collection of Nara National Museum. Nara National Museum, 1993, 156p. |