Korean ridge-end ‘kwimyon’ roof-tile with demon mask

Unified Silla (AD 688-918)
Earthenware
Korea
H: 15.8cm x 11 cm

This striking pebble-coloured earthenware ridge-end tile bears the impressed image of a demon mask. Demon masks in Korea were used in roof-tile designs to ward off evil spirits from entering the home. The one depicted on this tile has its ears noticeably omitted to give added prominence to the ferocious-looking eyes and mouth. The tile is semi-circular in shape and would be used to decorate the outer most corners of the roof. A demon mask design thus would look out from each corner of the building.
The practice of using tiles with impressed decoration as roof coverings was adopted by Koreans during the Chinese Han period (206BC -AD220). Such tiles were often used as palace adornments.