In the long stretch of time, from low dams and high mountains to deep forests and water landscapes, on this land of Yunnan, diverse indigenous ethnic groups have found their spiritual sustenance in myriad natural elements. Some find peace and protection in plants, while others seek strength and faith in animals. The symbols of these creatures continue to hold a special appeal to people, whether they are the leisurely birds painted on murals, the stone lions guarding houses by the sides of residential buildings, or the sacred beasts quietly watching over ancient temples…

A unique type of “house-protecting beast” widely exists in Yunnan's folk culture, covering 11 prefectures and cities across the province. These creatures are commonly seen in the habitats of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic groups, and their appearances vary greatly from region to region, reflecting local cultural customs and practices. For example, influenced by both Dali and Naxi cultures, Lijiang has developed distinct male and female forms. Female beasts are typically placed on the main house roofs, while males sit atop gateways, mostly made of unglazed gray Pottery, simple yet powerful and not without a touch of romance. In Chuxiong, these creatures are not only placed on rooftops but also used in embroidery and fabrics, with more realistic designs. Some have slender waists and long, upward-curving tails, while others resemble tigers with a relaxed and curious demeanor. A thousand households envision a thousand different shapes for these auspicious creatures. In Wenshan, these house-protecting creatures are commonly known as “stone cats.” Early versions were mainly unglazed, with four-unlike shapes, standing, walking, sitting, or lying down, simple and dignified. Later, influenced by central Yunnan culture, they evolved into glazed versions, with richer shapes and colors…

With the introduction of Central Plain culture into Yunnan, it blended with Yunnan's natural worship character, giving birth to these roof beasts that guard residential buildings. They come in various shapes and have a multitude of names: roof beasts, ridge tigers, lucky tigers, stone tigers, stone cats, four-unlike creatures, house-protecting beasts, lucky tigers, clay tigers, ghosts-eating tigers, and many more. Each name evokes the locals' deep-rooted blessings and their profound connection to the land they live on.

Kunming, now the provincial capital of Yunnan, also has these household guardians, locally known as “tile cats.” The term “tile” refers to their placement on the ridge tiles, eaves, or door tops. “Cat” is a creature that modern people find endearing, and since the original form of the house-protecting beast is a tiger, its appearance bears a resemblance to a cat. So, they are called tile cats.

Today, small and large studios and companies specializing in intangible cultural heritage do not overlook the adorable yet fierce tile cats as sources of inspiration for creative products. These traditional clay folk items, which take the form of tigers and integrate national culture, architectural decoration, and folk art, have become popular. Despite their widespread presence throughout Yunnan in various shapes and names, traditional house-protecting beasts have a fearsome appearance, full of confrontational tension, and only those protected by them feel their “cuteness.” With the passage of time and the retreat of agrarian civilization, people's attitudes toward nature have changed, and evil and misfortune are no longer the primary concerns. Although their role in protecting homes remains, these creatures have shifted towards being aesthetic objects and psychological comforts, with changes in their appearance and form. Tile cats have toned down their fierce expressions, adopting a more “adorably fierce and cute” style, brimming with creativity and design.

Hesan He, the head of Jingsu Company, hails from the southern water towns, but he has spent over a decade in Yunnan. Jingsu started with creating cultural and creative products based on Yunnan's intangible cultural heritage. Over the years, the team has explored the cultural creativity of tile cats extensively, traveling almost everywhere in Yunnan related to them. Modern design meets traditional craftsmanship, commerce meets sentiment, and folk tradition meets innovation, blending together seamlessly in today's era. Currently, most of Jingsu's tile cats are made from Huannin clay, Yuxi clay, and Dali clay, with different glazes transforming into fur under high-temperature firing, lustrous and colorful. Their traditional styles blend harmoniously with modern design, making them both practical and aesthetically pleasing, such as Tea cups, tea washes, tea pets, incense burners, jewelry boxes, ashtrays, etc., suitable as gifts or decorative items. Now, tile cats no longer need to stand guard on sun-baked rooftops; they can settle anywhere in any form. Especially when they become adorable companions on tea tables, their charming yet dignified “clumsy innocence” becomes even more apparent amidst the tea mist. Regardless, they continue to uphold that age-old friendship, guarding their territory and bringing good luck to people by warding off evil and misfortune. Their appropriately fierce yet cute expressions and creatively designed forms align with the contemporary aesthetics of the younger generation. They are fierce but also lovable; at first glance, they appear cute, but after a moment of looking into their eyes, one can sense their spirit, providing a sense of security for one's life.