Blue and White Lion and Peony Headrest

Mid-20th Century
$280 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 5.0" D: 2.25" H: 4.5"
Materials
Porcelain
Collection #
CESB029I
Estimated Shipping
$20

This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protect their elaborate hairstyles by elevating the head during slumber. This example dates to the mid-20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with a stencil-transfer design.

The broad sides of the headrest are decorated with a mythical fu lion dog amid peony blossoms, symbols of summer, love, and affection. A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy. Spider chrysanthemums decorate the short sides, symbols of autumn and longevity. Floral scrollwork trims the edges and coin-shaped cutouts perforate the side, beckoning wealth and good fortune.

Hairline cracks on both sides.

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Headrests

Headrests and neck pillows have been used since ancient times to keep the head elevated while sleeping and hold the body in a comfortable position. Whether functional or purely decorative, such headrests were crafted from a variety of materials and were often decorated with elaborate patterns or symbolic motifs.

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What They're Saying

Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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