Cap Tile

Graduated layers of ceramic roof tiles were China’s primary architectural constant for centuries. In areas of Southern China, the repeating slopes formed by the grey roofs create scenes of architectural mountain ranges. The resilience and simplicity of the tiles made them ideal to protect a home from rain and keep it cool during heavy heat. This particular tile would have made a decorative cap at the end of a line of simpler tiles. The symbols are stylized versions of the “fu” character, representing prosperity. Using a series of these tiles to finish the roof on a home surrounded the residents in wishes for prosperity. Each tile varies slightly.