A Wadang (tile-end) is a particular piece of tile that is placed over the last tile in each line of tiles on the traditional Chinese roof. Therefore tile-ends are placed all the way along the eaves of the sloping roof. They were important components of tiles in ancient Chinese architecture and served as protective and decorative functions.
Wadang adorned with molded designs was first manufactured during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100-771BC), but the use of stylized characters as architectural ornaments appears to have developed in the state of Yan during the Warring States Period. The tradition flourished during the Qin (221-206BC) and Han (206BC-220AD) dynasties. Western Han tile-ends are typically divided into two or four sections; the winding, ropelike characters contained within are in relief and adapted to fit within the confines of circular forms.
In the Han Dynasty, the technique of Wadang making reached its peak. In this period, the design was elaborate and Wadang decorated with Zhuan (seal scripts) came into being. The Zhuan calligraphy on Wadang was mainly Xiaozhuan (lesser seal scripts) and the characters were arranged orderly and equably, featuring simplicity and vigor.
The design of Wadang has a great variety and it is not only an art that combines painting, craftwork and carving but also a result of the combination of practicality and aesthetics. Wadang adds much beauty to ancient architectures. Wadang not only presents artistic enjoyment to people but also provides important material reference for archeological estimation of ancient buildings. In addition, Wadang is not only valuable materials about Chinese calligraphy, seal engraving, painting and so on but also provides some reference for study of politics, economy and culture in different periods.
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