Eave Tile and Drip Tile: Symbols of Art and Identity

    Every time it rains, the raindrops falling from the tiles are like a crystal curtain, and the artistic conception is extremely beautiful. Unfortunately, such a scene is rarely seen in cities composed of steel and cement. The tiles at the forefront of the eaves are called eave tiles and drive tiles, which are one of the unique architectural components in ancient Chinese architecture and a symbol of ancient Chinese identity.

    The carvings on the eave tile come in various patterns, including text, animals, plants, geometry, and combination tiles, as well as plain tiles that do not require carving. The tiles of ordinary households are generally not carved, while the tiles of powerful families have exquisite carvings and writing.

     The front end of the eaves of ancient houses resembled a continuous wavy line, with a circular shape facing upwards being the tile, and a triangular shape facing downwards being called drip tile. Eave tile and drive tile, one to prevent rainwater from flowing back and the other to guide rainwater down, are both designed to protect the eaves and prevent rafters from rotting. In terms of usage value, the eave tile and dripping tile have achieved a perfect combination.

                                
    The main function of the drip tile is to prevent rainwater from flowing back, which can effectively prevent rainwater from eroding the eaves and rafters, as well as rainwater from seeping into the house. Secondly, it can prevent rainwater from scouring the building foundation too wide. The rainwater flowing from the roof only falls into a limited area directly below the roof of the eaves, thus better protecting the flatness of the foundation and the stability of the wall foundation, and extending the life of the building.