the nude boy shown crouching in an almost horizontal position, holding a bird in his left hand, the chubby face with simply carved features and the hair pulled back in double knots; carved from greenish white stone. Former Classification: Jade

Pillow, 17th-18th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

This pillow is carved in the form of a crouching boy holding a bird in his left hand. Hard pillows, usually made of ceramic, were common in China and several pottery examples in the form of children—hopeful symbols of luck in Chinese culture—have survived from Song times (960-1280). Pillows of jade, however, are extremely rare, and given the precious nature of the material, this piece probably was a decorative object intended for display rather than use.

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Pillow (#903)
Details
Title
Pillow
Role
Artist
Accession Number
92.103.8
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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the nude boy shown crouching in an almost horizontal position, holding a bird in his left hand, the chubby face with simply carved features and the hair pulled back in double knots; carved from greenish white stone. Former Classification: Jade