Double Crane Headrest

Mid-20th Century
$280 USD
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Dimensions
W: 5.25" D: 2.5" H: 4.5"
Materials
Porcelain
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CESB016B
Estimated Shipping
$20

This simple, square 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 decorative example dates to the mid-20th century and is finished with a milky white glaze and a colorful scene of two cranes beneath a pine tree with plum blossoms, rocks, and peonies. A scene layered with several auspicious motifs, this decoration conveys blessings of longevity, youth, wealth and honor. Cutouts on either end allow for circulation, one side perforated to resemble interlocking coins, a symbol of wealth and good fortune.

Minor hairline crack at oblong cutout.

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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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