This handmade Yunnan Wamao is a traditional folk ceramic ornament inspired by intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship. Also known as the “Auspicious Tiger,” Wamao is a distinctive roof decoration found in Yunnan vernacular architecture, believed to protect the home, ward off evil, and attract good fortune and prosperity.

Each piece is 100% hand-built from Yunnan clay, hand-glazed, and high-fired at 1200–1500°C (often in a traditional wood-firing kiln). In wood firing, ash and flame naturally interact with the surface during the long, high-temperature process, creating an organic ash glaze and a rustic, one-of-a-kind finish. No two Wamao are exactly the same (“a thousand cats, a thousand faces”).

True to the local saying “big round eyes, a huge open mouth; not quite a cat, not quite a tiger,” Wamao features a bold, playful form: a wide circular mouth, outward tongue, strong limbs, sharp teeth, and protruding eyes. Although called a “cat,” it symbolizes the strength of a tiger within a cat-like appearance, combining power with charm.

Handmade Notice:
Because this is a purely handcrafted ceramic item, minor imperfections may occur, such as small bubbles, glaze variation/shrinkage, fine crackle marks, or uneven hand-painting. These are normal and part of the handmade character. During shipping, slight contact marks between protective wooden packaging and the ceramic may occur, but they do not affect normal use. Please purchase only if you are comfortable with these natural variations.

Photos & Color Disclaimer:
All photos are of the actual product. Due to lighting conditions, display settings, and individual color perception, slight differences between photos and the real item may occur. Please refer to the physical product.