Two Roof Tile Drawings: Working Plans and Clouds

late nineteenth century
each: 14 1/2" x 11", 37 cm x 28 cm

This is a pair of ink drawings which comes from the workshop of a roof tile maker in Ise, Japan.

The curved lines seen on both drawings are symbolic of cloud-like elements. This motif can often be seen on traditional Japanese tiled roofs and carved wooden eaves as they suggest vapor, "wetness" and rain, which, of course, are extremely important to homes in cities that are made of paper and wood.  Fire was a big problem in old Japan, and talismans embedded in the design of the house were used in an effort to stave them off.

Just lovely--and the abstracted images as pulled out of context on these two drawings are curious and attractive. 

Also interesting to note are the smudges of clay that can be seen on the surface of the paper which are clearly the result of these drawings being used in the tile making process.