GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer a beautiful Chinese porcelain Pillow or headrest, made at the famed Ying Quing Futian Yao Kiln, Jianxi Province, China. As an art form, only ceramics cover the entire forty-five century span of Chinese history. More than any other material, fired clay has served the needs and satisfied the aesthetic tastes of all segments of Chinese society, and the Chinese contribution to ceramic art is one of uncontested brilliance. Indeed, in terms of their sheer production, technical innovation, artistic refinement, aesthetic diversity and global impact, the Chinese can claim the world's longest and foremost ceramic tradition. The origin of ceramics technology dates back 6000 years to the Neolithic period in China, and the related technologies and skills were continuously developed throughout Chinese history. Ceramic techniques slowly evolved, with innovations in under glazes, colors, materials including metallic ores, all propelled Chinese ceramics into a highly prized commodity for the imperial courts throughout China, and ultimately, for export. Over many dynasties in China, pillows were made from a wide range of materials including stone, bamboo, jade, porcelain, wood, and bronze. Porcelain pillows can be traced back to the Sui dynasty, around 600 AD. Widely manufactured in the Tang dynasty (618-907), ceramic pillows became a familiar and popular domestic item for the middle to upper classes of Chinese society. With each successive dynasty pillow design changed, styles becoming more elaborate from the basic geometric shape, and included imprinted designs, elaborate human and animal forms, and a variety of colors and textures. A 1591 Chinese style guide explained that, "Porcelain may be used to make pillows… It has [the] power to brighten the eyes and benefit the pupils”. Though they had the knowledge and ability to create soft pillows, the Chinese believed that such pillows stole energy and vitality (chi or life force energy) from the body while one slept and were ineffective at keeping demons away. Ceramics were also valued in the Far East as elsewhere for their craftsman qualities, as attested by this superb pillow, which reflects the special artistic sensibility artisans bestowed upon everyday objects. It measures 6.25 inches in width by 5.5 inches in depth by 4.25 inches in height (15.8 cm by 13.9 cm by 10.7 cm). It is in very good condition, including rubbing, tiny chips and scratches. A superb example of a very distinctive style of  Chinese ceramic art, it would make a fine collector’s piece and is guaranteed authentic.

GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at Primitive in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.

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