Celadon Dragon Headrest

To keep their elaborate hairstyles intact while sleeping, well-to-do Qing-dynasty women used elevated headrests such as this in lieu of a pillow. This porcelain headrest dates to the early 20th century and was likely used for decorative, rather than functional, purposes. The charming headrest is sculpted in the form of a crouching dragon with exaggerated facial features, covered in scales and flanked on either side by a phoenix and second, smaller dragon. The headrest is coated with a lovely pale green celadon glaze that pools in the contours of the sculpted design for added depth.