Chinese
Roof Tile: A Phoenix, late 18th century
Glazed ceramic, 16 cm (6 5/16 in.)
This figural blue glazed ceramic Chinese roof tile is in the shape of a phoenix. Its legs are straight with claws lying almost flat on the curved tile below it, and its tail feathers are down. It has a diamond-shaped face in profile, with a raised, foliate design along the ridge of its head. The wings are tucked to the side of its body.
Vatichino
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.