Department:
The Museum Proper
Replica or Original:
Not a Replica
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Primary Material:
Ceramics
Medium:
Ding Ware Porcelain
Dimensions:
Classification/Category:
Recreational Objects
Specific Classification:
Porcelain Head Rest
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings:
Donated by:
Unknown
Accession Number
1993.056.001
Artifact Date:
A.D. 960 - A.D. 1127
Song Dynasty (960-1279)
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Unknown
Creator:
Chinese
Creator Ancestry:
During the Tang Dynasty (618 AD) porcelain pillows gained widespread popularity. Child-shaped headrests were common recreational household items, as well as favourable wedding gifts. Children playing or sleeping are a reoccuring motif for ceramic pillows. The boy appears in a relaxed pose. The natural curve on the boys back is used as support for the head. It's design is simple yet elegant. Through research, Head Rest in the Shape of a Boy proves to be an extraordinary historic Chinese artifact, allowing insight to historic cultural signifiers. Ceramic pillows preserved extravagant hairstyles, maintained healthy posture and kept the head cool, while resting.
During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the ceramic industry expanded greatly. Among the many styles, Ding Ware held the highest reputation, most noteworthy for quality, including technicality and aesthetic. The milky-white ceramic deeply influenced later glaze ceramic styles.
Artifact Date:
A.D. 960 - A.D. 1127
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Song Dynasty (960-1279)
Creator:
Unknown
Creator Ancestory:
Chinese
Catalogue Entry
Online References:
"Chinese porcelain pillows: ‘cool’ headrests" : https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/be-smart/chinese-porcelain-pillows-cool-headrests/
Department:
The Museum Proper
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Replica or Original:
Not a Replica
Porcelain headrest in the shape of a boy.
男孩形狀的瓷枕。
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Classification/Category:
Recreational Objects
Specific Classification:
Porcelain Head Rest
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings: