Pillow, late 11th-early 12th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Cizhou ware Stoneware with black and white slips and sgraffito decoration under transparent glazeexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 99.69.1
On View in Gallery 204expand_more
Leaf-shaped pillows were an innovation of the Cizhou kilns and those with sgraffito decoration on black slip over white slip like this one were popular from the late eleventh through the twelfth century. This handsome example displays a boldly incised peony spray symbolizing wealth, spring, and feminine beauty. The peony was a common motif during this period and one that archaeologists have shown was manufactured largely at northern kilns in the Guantai area, near the former Cizhou in southern Hebei Province. Cizhou ware developed entirely as a popular, inexpensive stoneware tradition for everyday use. The rough clay bodies were given a smooth white surface by the application of a white slip upon which the potters explored a great variety of decorative techniques
Details
- Title
- Pillow
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.69.1
- Curator Approved
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