Winged porcine beast,

6th or 7th century

This tile depicts a winged porcine figure. White pigment remains on the teeth, eyes, and ears, and there are traces of red on the tongue. Green-glazed cloud appliqués are visible in the upper corners. Trace outlines of green glaze indicate that the beast formerly clutched an appliqué object in its right front claw. Tiles such as this probably lined the walls or platform in a tomb, cave, or religious structure. Some twenty-four other tiles from the same set are known. Their iconography is as yet undetermined, but the appearance of wings on almost all the beasts may identify them as early representations of sky or thunder spirits. Stylistic comparison of some of the demon figures to Northern Qi (550–577) stone relief carvings suggests an early date, while the glazing technique may indicate a Tang dynasty (618–907) or later date.