Gems from Kilns: Shiwan Ceramics from the Macao Museum of Art Collection

SHIWAN CERAMIC ROOF RIDGE: THE ESSENCE OF LINGNAN CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURAL ART

Shiwan ceramic roof ridges can be found on the rooftops of buildings across the Lingnan region, which encompasses present-day Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Macao, and Hong Kong. These distinctive ridges are adorned with figures often inspired by Cantonese opera, folktales, and historical legends. Developed from the mid- 19th century onward, these decorations became influential and prominent forms of the Lingnan region’s architecture. 

Shiwan roof ridges frequently feature a precious orb at the centre of the main ridge. This is often flanked by a pair of dragons or ‘ao yu’ (dragon fish), forming a ‘two dragons playing with a pearl’ motif. The sloping ridges usually feature decorations of lions, qilins (legendary Chinese creatures), auspicious beasts, and military generals on their tiles. The ends of the main ridge can be adorned with sun and moon deities, Hehe Erxian (known as the ‘Immortals of Harmony and Union’), or other divine figures. Overall, the decorations incorporate auspicious motifs, including flowers and fruits, in the Lingnan style. Additionally, the main ridge usually displays the name of the pottery workshop – also known as the ridge workshop – that created it, along with the year of its creation. Notable workshops include Wen Rubi, Wu Qiyu, Junyu and Baoyu Rongji. Shiwan roof ridges are designed symmetrically yet flexibly according to the scale of the building. In short, along with their decorative elements, they are significant examples of the Lingnan region’s extraordinary folk-art culture and architectural history. 

The oldest existing Shiwan roof ridge in Guangdong Province, which carries a year mark and well-preserved figures, is the main ridge of the Hall of Mahavira in Pou Chai Temple (Kun Iam Tong) in Macao. It was crafted by the Wu Qiyu workshop in 1817, the 22nd year of the Jiaqing era. 

Overseas Cantonese-speaking Chinese communities often intentionally adopt Shiwan roof ridge decorations as ornamental elements on ancestral halls and temples to express their respect and nostalgia for their homeland and culture. Consequently, these distinctive ridges can also be seen in regions such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.