Origin: Henan, Northern China,Age/Period: ca. late 10th/early 11th century, Northern Song Dynasty,Kiln: Cizhou,Dimensions: 6" long, 4" deep, 2-1/2" tall;A rare Song Dynasty Cizhou Yao Porcelain Arm-Rest Pillow. Produced in the Cizhou Yao kilns during the late 10th to early 11th century AD in Hebei, Northern China. This pillow was made to serve as an arm-rest as opposed to the more common pillows made for the head (sleeping). Cizhou yao ware are renown for their hand-thrown ornament featuring glazes with light and dark colors. Pillows similar to this type, with incised opaque slip and clear overglaze were among the earliest of Cizhou yao wares. After the 12th century, the designs became more elaborate in their shapes and glazes.This pillow is made of high-fired porcelain and coated with ivory-colored white slip and a transparent glaze. The white slip is incised design depicts a pair of swan in a pond surrounded by lotus plants. A symbol of marriage and fidelity. The side of the body is decorated with cloud patterns. The glaze slip stop above the unglazed foot and exposes the gray coarse clay. The bottom shows remnants of crackled, ivory white slip that might have been used in the kiln to prevent sticking. Along the back side of the pillow are 2 holes which facilitated holding cool water. This would help keep the pillow cooler and more comfortable during warm periods and/or periods of extended use.Condition Consensus: Excellent Condition without any injury or damage.b8 Click for Price @ GoAntiques.com
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