Ceramic pillows have been used in China since the Sui Dynasty for funerary purposes, as bedding and for smoking opium. In 1591 the scholar Kao Lien proclaimed that porcelain pillows “brighten the eyes and benefit the pupils” and when using at nighttime “one can read finely printed books”. In Medieval China ceramic pillows were used to flatten the back of a baby’s head, which was considered attractive, and using pillows would provide the child “a beautiful advantage in life”. (Minnesota Institute of Arts) Jade and ceramic pillows offset the hot weather and were believed to increase health, vitality, body comfort and soothe the spirit. Pillows could impart qualities to the person who slept on them, so they were made in unique shapes with beautiful designs and virtuous symbols to be absorbed by those who slept on them. They were used in opium dens where large holes on the pillow sides allowed users to store valuables while they smoked and claimed the ceramic’s coolness offset the opium’s warmth and made the pillow feel soft as a cloud. Pillows were integrated into Chinese folklore and superstitions. In one legend a Taoist Immortal created a pillow from three stacked Taoist books to enable him to have pure and elegant dreams and another relates how a man would climb into his pillow to be magically transported to other places. (MIA)
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Multicolored ceramic opium pillow, hand-painted green and red florals, fruits and vases in relief, blue cobalt border. Top and bottom seals to approve for export as antique.
5-sided Shiwan glazed stoneware pillow with slanted top, used for smoking opium. The cool shell cradled the users’ heads and necks and hollow inside stored valuables. A candle placed inside emits a shadowy coin appealed to those in an opium state.
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