Chinese Double Crane Headrest

This 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 printed with an idyllic scene in the style of Chinese propaganda illustrations. Two young girls pause their farm work to read beneath a pine tree, with farm land...

This small 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 example dates to the late 20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with a stencil-transfer design. Each side of the headrest has a quadrilobe cartouche framing two mythical fu lions playing with a brocade ball, a motif that evokes the idiom "may you and your descendant achieve high rank." A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy. The playful scene is surrounded by a cracked ice pattern dotted with plum blossoms, symbols of winter and longevity. A geometric meander trims the corners and small bats frame coin...

This 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 prote...

This small 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 protec...

each crane is perched on a rock

Chinese White Porcelain Ho Ho Boy Headrest c. 1950. A white blanc de Chine ceramic headrest in the shape of a reclining boy. To keep her elaborate hairstyle intact while sleeping, a ...

This pair of Chinese ceramic headrests feature a green, brown and blue glaze as well as floral motifs. They also feature pierced sides with sy...

Impressive hand made Thousand Cranes Moon Vase, in perfect, undamaged condition. The vase features an allover pattern repeat of cranes in flight executed in classic Celadon glaze. Th...