A Roof Tile Design: Complex, Overlapping Lines

$20.00 USD

mid to late nineteenth century
26" x 17 1/2",  66 cm x 44.5 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 design is 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.

Sold
A Roof Tile Design: Complex, Overlapping Lines