earthenware bean shaped headrest carved at center with ribbon tied spray of lotus and sagittarius blossoms against a dense ground of scrolling vines; green glaze

Pillow, 12th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Green lead-glazed ware is one of at least nineteen categories of Cizhou ceramics. Pillows represent the largest subgroup of the green-glazed technique. The bean shaped headrest is freely carved in the center with a ribbon-tied spray of lotus and sagittarius blossoms against a dense ground of scrolling vine motif. A great many ceramic pillows were produced at the Cizhou kilns in southern Hebei province between the tenth and fourteenth centuries. At first considered items made only for burial, it is now confirmed that ceramic pillows were used domestically and inscriptions mention their use as gifts for newly-married couples and as congratulatory objects.

Details
Title
Pillow
Role
Artist
Accession Number
98.72.2
Curator Approved

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earthenware bean shaped headrest carved at center with ribbon tied spray of lotus and sagittarius blossoms against a dense ground of scrolling vines; green glaze