East Asia, China, Ming Dynasty, ca. 16th century CE. A vibrant and detailed glazed porcelain pillow depicting a recumbent lion or dragon, topped by a gently curved headrest. The creature is lying down with a fierce expression and bared teeth. The backside features a circular medallion symbol for prosperity. The top of the headrest has raised circular bumps and a foliate pattern in the center. The entire pillow is covered with Sancay glaze of green and yellow hues. See more about the possible uses and meanings behind such pillows in the extended description below. Size: 10" L x 5" W x 4.75" H (25.4 cm x 12.7 cm x 12.1 cm)

Initially created during the Tang dynasty (618-907), by the time of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) ceramic pillows became a familiar domestic item for the middle to upper classes of Chinese society. However, surprisingly, they have been understudied by historians, and consequently, relatively little is understood about their function. Some scholars have suggested that they enabled better sleeping positions in order to preserve women’s' complex hairstyles. Guides published during the later Ming dynasty suggest that they were items associated with elegant lifestyles of the upper class. GaoLian argued that the porcelain used to create the pillows had health benefits, "power to brighten the eyes and benefit the pupils" (Zun sheng bajian - Eight Discourses on the Art of Elegant Living). GaoLin also argued that the pillows helped guide dreams; in China, dreams were of great import and oftentimes understood as omens. The pillow was believed to mediate between the earthly and celestial worlds.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Danish collection, assembled in the 1990s

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#163107

Excellent condition. Minor surface nicks and chip to lion nose. Nice craquelure to glaze. TL hole on base.