A 19th Century Hand Drawn Roof Tile Design: Studio in Ise

late nineteenth century
21 1/2" x 14 3/4", 54.5 cm x 37.5 cm

This is an interesting, hand drawn ink drawing which comes from the atelier of a roof tile maker in Ise, Japan.

The drawing is done in charcoal-based ink on paper, and the full-scale design is meant for a decorative element of a traditional tiled roof.  Cloud-like elements can often be seen on traditional Japanese tiled roofs and carved wooden eaves as they suggest vapor, "wetness" and rain, which, of course, are extremely important to homes in cities that are made of paper and wood.  Fire was a big problem in old Japan, and talismans were used to stave them off.

Just lovely.