I really don’t know anything about Chinese roof tiles, and can’t seem to find a good resource on them.  There are loads of ads and similar (but not the same) items for sale, with most of them claiming they are antique …. and they’re going for big bucks.  Some are in the thousands of dollars, which I would imagine a true antique roof tile in good condition would be worth.

Here’s an article from Taipei Times, dated November 15, 2016:

“Koji pottery in Taiwan  台灣的交阯陶

Koji pottery is a type of folk art commonly seen on traditional architecture, combining modeling, firing and painting, that originally developed in China’s Fujian province. Popular themes include auspicious wishes, legends and fables, folk tales and stories from history. The pottery is often used on temples or as decorative elements on traditional residences.

Koji pottery is quite unique: stylistically, and in terms of glaze colors, it is worlds apart from the Song dynasty ru, ge, jun and ding pottery, the underglaze blue porcelains of the Yuan and Ming periods, or the yangcai polychromes of the Qing. The polychromatic koji pottery derives from the tri-chromatic sancai pottery of the Tang, and became popular in the lingnan region of south China during the Tang, through the Song and beyond. After that, during the Ming and Qing periods, it was influenced by the overglaze colors of Jingdezhen and the enamel colors introduced from the West. It was brought over to central and southern Taiwan by immigrants from liangnan, and from this point on evolved into the polychrome koji pottery we see today.

Some people say that the vibrant colors of koji pottery are too gaudy, and lack a refined aesthetic, but I personally disagree. Yes, some rather unsightly examples do exist, but there are others that are completely different. Whether it be the modeling, the beauty of the glaze color, the intriguing lines in the cracks on the glaze surface, or the decorative techniques used, to many people’s eyes koji pottery should be considered more an art form than a type of folk craft.”

If I were to price this based on what sellers are trying to get on eBay, I’d put it in the $500.00 range.  When I look at one of my antique sellers resources, it seems that the prices that these pieces have commanded have gone up rather dramatically in the past few years, even for those that may not be true antiques.

I do know that this piece is beautiful, and as far as I can tell, is in perfect condition.  

Condition:  This female warrior roof tile appears to be in perfect condition, although with the crazing in the glaze that typically comes from age.  She was attached to a piece of large cardboard by someone (which was clearly intended to avoid any breakage), and comes with a Lucite stand, along with directions on how to display her.  I have not removed her from the amateurish packaging she came in, which obviously was added after the fact. 

Dimensions: Our warrior is about 10″ high x 11″ wide x 4″ deep.  The Lucite stand that’s included is about 9.5″ wide x 5″ deep x .5″ high.  All told, she would be nearly a foot high once displayed on her stand.

Price:  $185.00.  Plus 5.5% Maine State Sales Tax of $10.18, for a total of $195.18.

Unless we’re having a sale, which would be listed here, our prices are firm.  

Shipping & Delivery:  Free local pickup.  We can deliver within Lewiston-Auburn for a $15.00 delivery fee, or Gray/Portland (along the 202 Route, or just off it) early Wednesday mornings for the same $15.00.  Because of a recent disaster shipping another item for a customer, we aren’t thrilled with the idea of trying again.  However, if you’d like, we can do it for $40.00 to make sure she arrives safely.

For other options, please review our most recent blog on Possible Delivery Options in the Next Week (use the search feature), or our Shipping & Delivery page at https://heritagecollectiblesmaine.com/details-shipping-information/.

Buying Details:  We are very low tech.  Payment can be made via PayPal, good check (please allow 1 week to clear if not known to us) or cash. 

FMI: https://heritagecollectiblesmaine.com/details-payment-pricing/.

Or you can email Linda at heritagecollectiblesmaine@gmail.com to arrange purchase, or for a somewhat faster response, text 207-740-2247.  Thanks!

All sales after expenses help support The Grief Warrior Project. https://heritagecollectiblesmaine.com/supporting-the-grief-warrior-project/

More Photos:  See below!