Chinese Roof Tile Figure of a Vermilion Bird

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This Chinese ceramic roof tile figure depicts the Vermilion Bird (Zhuque), the celestial guardian of the south in Chinese mythology. Shown with elegant outstretched wings and flowing tail feathers, the bird symbolizes summer, fire, and rebirth. Typically mounted on the ridge of a temple or palace roof, such figures were believed to offer protection and attract auspicious energy.