Rare Vintage Metropolitan Museum of Art Song Dynasty Replica Tiles – Lion & Leaping Goat – Chinese Architectural Relief Plaques

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Description

An exceptionally rare pair of vintage Metropolitan Museum of Art reproduction tiles, based on two 12th–13th century Chinese architectural reliefs … Read more An exceptionally rare pair of vintage Metropolitan Museum of Art reproduction tiles, based on two 12th–13th century Chinese architectural reliefs from the Song Dynasty (960–1279) in the museum’s collection. These unusual museum reproductions appear to be exceedingly scarce on the secondary market, with no other identical examples located during our research.

Each plaque depicts a lively animal surrounded by beautifully sculpted ornamental details, capturing the expressive character and craftsmanship of medieval Chinese decorative arts.

The first plaque reproduces the Met’s Tile with Lion, depicting a fantastical, lionlike creature with a muscular body, prominent mane, and dramatically curling tail. The animal is shown in profile, surrounded by scrolling decorative forms that emphasize its movement and spirited appearance.

The second plaque reproduces the Met’s Tile with Leaping Goat, featuring a lively goat with curved horns, an elongated body, and legs extended in a dynamic leaping pose. Flowing ornamental details surround the animal, creating a wonderful sense of movement and energy.

The original Song Dynasty tiles were made of unglazed terracotta and reflect the Chinese tradition of incorporating sculptural animal imagery into architectural decoration.

These vintage reproductions appear to be made of cast plaster or composition stone, with a gray finish resembling weathered stone. Both retain small metal Metropolitan Museum of Art emblems on the reverse, along with wire hangers for display.

Original Works:

* Tile with Lion, China, Song Dynasty (960–1279), 12th–13th century, unglazed terracotta.
* Tile with Leaping Goat, China, Song Dynasty (960–1279), 12th–13th century, unglazed terracotta.

Dimensions: Each measures approximately 11” W × 7” H × 1.5” D.

Condition: Good vintage condition with surface wear, minor chips, and areas of discoloration consistent with age. Both retain their hanging hardware.

Rarity: These Metropolitan Museum reproductions are exceptionally difficult to find, and no other identical examples have been located on the current secondary market. Their scarcity, museum association, and faithful reproduction of Song Dynasty originals make them particularly appealing to collectors of Asian art and historical decorative objects.

Sold together as a pair. See less