Quadrilobe Fabric Pillow with Embroidery

This Chinese pillow was hand crafted by an artisan of the Republic Era (1912–1949). Constructed in the style of traditional ceramic or wood headrest, this pillow has an hour glass form with a quadrilobe cut out. The pillow is delicately painted on one side with swimming fish and lotus flowers accompanied by a dancing figure, and on the other with butterflies and dragonflies neatly ordered around the center quadrilobe cutout. The sides add a pop of color with blue fabric and are embellished with vibrantly embroidered birds, insects and lotus flowers. The pillow has a removable linen slip to reveal an underlining.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.