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An unusual Chinese Ming Dynasty turquoise and dark purple glazed leaping fish, dating to 1368-1644 AD.
This piece would originally have adorned the roof-top of a Ming Dynasty dwelling. The depiction is one of a leaping mythical fish, with long flowing fins and fierce face. The fish emerges from a swelling in the water, represented by curved lines. The base is formed of a recessed arch, which would have inserted onto the cross-bar of a Ming Dynasty roof, hundreds of years ago. The fish was a creature associated with wealth and prosperity in ancient China, so much so that the character for "fish" (yu) also means "abundance". It was thus considered good luck to place a figure such as this on top of ones house, where it could be viewed from a considerable distance. Similar roof tiles can still be seen in parts of China's famous Forbidden City, Beijing.
This is an unusual, vibrant example.
Height, mounted on antique wooden base: 14 1/4 inches.
Condition: Intact, good overall condition with minor restorations to the glaze.
Provenance: New Orleans private collection.
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