Ao Fish Ridge Ornament   Qing Dynasty

When the results of the palace examination were announced in ancient times, the candidate who came first would stand on the step carved with the Ao fish, waiting for the good news. Hence, coming first in the palace examination was also called “standing at the head of the Ao fish”. This kind of ridge ornament not only embodies the house owner"s wish to prevent fire and disaster, but also implies his wish that his offspring would come first in the palace examination.