Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Black-glazed Lion Pillow, Northern Song-Jin Dynasty

$3,495
$6,99050% Off
£2,678.49
£5,356.9950% Off
€3,078.46
€6,156.9250% Off
CA$4,908.90
CA$9,817.8050% Off
A$5,493.96
A$10,987.9350% Off
CHF 2,875.89
CHF 5,751.7950% Off
MX$66,741.70
MX$133,483.4050% Off
NOK 36,516.54
NOK 73,033.0950% Off
SEK 34,459.60
SEK 68,919.1950% Off
DKK 22,970.72
DKK 45,941.4450% Off

About the Item

Black-glazed ceramic pillow, frequently-produced during the Jin dynasty. Similar piece can be found in the Guanfu Museum, where there are black-glazed pillows depicting the Twelve Zodiac Animals. This particular piece features carvings of two lions. Period : Northern Song-Jin Dynasty Type : Pillow Medium : Black glazed Dimension : 12.5 cm(Height), 15cm(Diameter) Condition : Good(Minor chips and crack on surface) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) Guanfu Museum (Type : Closely Related) 2) Christies HONG KONG 29 MAY 2013 - In Pursuit of Refinement - A Legacy of the YC Chen Collection - Lot 1966 (Price realised : 100,000 HKD / Type : Related) 3) Sotheby's Hong Kong 28 November 2018 - Chinese Art - Lot 396 (Price realised : 250,000 HKD / Type : Related) 4) Bonhams London 7 JUNE 2021 - Roger Keverne Ltd Moving On (Part II) - Lot 498 (Price realised : 7,012.5 GBP / Type : Related) * Black-glazed ceramics in Northern Song-Jin dynasty Black-glazed ceramics, also known as "black ware," were prominent during the Northern Song (960–1127) and Jin (1115–1234) dynasties. The creation of these ceramics involved the application of a rich, dark glaze, typically achieved using iron oxide. This glaze was applied over a stoneware or porcelain body, then fired at high temperatures to produce a glossy, dark finish ranging from deep brown to black. Notable techniques included the "tea-dust" glaze, which exhibited a speckled appearance, and the "oil-spot" glaze, characterized by small, iridescent spots. The high-temperature firing process was crucial for achieving the desired glaze effects and durability. The design of black-glazed ceramics often included intricate carvings, incised, or molded decorations. Common forms included bowls, vases, jars, and ceramic pillows. These pillows, used as headrests, featured detailed designs such as floral patterns, animals, and mythical creatures. An example of this is a black-glazed ceramic pillow from the Jin dynasty, which features carvings of two lions. Similar pieces can be found in the Guanfu Museum, where black-glazed pillows depicting the Twelve Zodiac Animals are displayed. The combination of sophisticated glazing techniques and detailed decorative elements exemplifies the advanced ceramic artistry of the Northern Song and Jin dynasties.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.93 in (12.5 cm)Diameter: 5.91 in (15 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Ceramic,Glazed
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    10-13th century
  • Condition:
    Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    seoul, KR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9577240148362

More From This Seller

View All
Rare Lion Figurine Pillow, Tang Dynasty(618-907)
Located in seoul, KR
To meet overseas demand, shapes of Changsha wares were also greatly influenced by exotic elements from beyond China. For example, lion-shaped artifacts were found, as were a number o...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Tang Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Cizhou carved bean-shaped pillow, Song-Jin Dynasty, 11th-12th century
Located in seoul, KR
Crafted from fine clay, the pillow's surface boasts a sophisticated carved design featuring a floral motif that is both symmetrical and organic. The interplay of the earthy tones and...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Chinoiserie Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

A Sancai-glazed pottery 'Haitai' Pillow, Tang dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The pillow is intricately decorated with a vibrant pattern, demonstrating the craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the period. The Haitai is a creature from Chinese mythology,...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Tang Antiquities

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

A Cizhou Blackish Brown Glazed Stoneware Foliate Jar, Northern Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The jar is covered with a deep, warm blackish-brown glaze. The glaze is smooth and even, with a soft sheen. The foliate rim has a gentle, wave-like design that gives the jar a natur...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Rare Cizhou 'Mandarin duck and Reishi mushroom' Painted Pillow, Jin-Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Mandarin ducks symbolize eternal love and fidelity in East Asian culture, often representing marital harmony as they are believed to mate for life. Reishi mushrooms, known as symbols of longevity and health, are revered in traditional Asian medicine for their association with immortality and have been used for centuries to promote vitality and strengthen the immune system. The orange glaze is commonly found on Cizhou-type tiger pillows. The attached materials indicate that this tiger pillow is from the same period and shares the same color tone as the one housed in the Baoji Bronzeware Museum, a national museum located in Shaanxi Province. Considering the glaze color, painting style, and shape, it is speculated that this piece was used by the imperial court. Period : Jin-Song Dynasty(12-13th century) Type : Pillow Medium : Cizhou Ware Size : 28 cm(Width), 30cm(Vertical), 16cm(Height) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference 1) Christies Hongkong 9 OCT 2019 - The Pavilion Sale - Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Including the Quek Kiok Lee Collection (Price realised : HKD 225,000 / Type : related) 2) The Baoji Bronzeware Museum, Shaanxi Province - Tiger Cizhou Pillow...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Black glazed bottle, Late Ming Era(16-17th century)
Located in seoul, KR
Black glazed bottle from the late Ming dynasty binh thuan cargo. An identical piece is included on page 146 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Disco...
Category

Antique 16th Century Vietnamese Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

You May Also Like

Antique Chinese Stoneware Pillow 19th Century
Located in Katonah, NY
Antique Chinese pillows were made from a wide range of materials, including bamboo, jade, porcelain, and wood. Traditionally solid, they were sometimes used with softer fabric over them. We are pleased to offer this pillow, which is decorated with brown glazes allowed to run over beige-colored stoneware. On both sides, the impressed design is a honeybee and honey combs symbolizing a wish for sweet dreams. Along the top and bottom of the pillow are traditional Chinese cloud collar...
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Chinese Dark Stone Fu Lion Protector, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Believed to be powerful protectors against malevolent spirits, fu lion dogs have stood guard at the entryways and thresholds of Chinese buildings and temples for centuries. Known as ...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Chinese Double Guardian Headrest, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To keep her elaborate hairstyle intact while sleeping, a well-to-do Qing-dynasty woman would use a rigid headrest or neck pillow to keep her head elevated. Whether functional or pure...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Dragon Ceramic Pillow Long Quan Kiln
Located in Somis, CA
A stunning Song Dynasty porcelain pillow, crafted by the prestigious Long Quan kiln. This historic kiln, dating back over 1600 years, is renowned for its exquisite celadon and lotus ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Dragon Ceramic Pillow Long Quan Kiln
$350 Sale Price / item
36% Off
Chinese Finley Moulded Ebonized Plaster Brush Pot Bitong Imitating Carved Zitan
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Chinese finely moulded ebonized plaster Brush pot bitong imitating carved zitan 20th century Of cylindrical form, decorated with complex designs depicting Tang ladies entertain...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects

Materials

Plaster

Black Soapstone Sculpture "Foo Dog" China 20th Century
Located in Prato, IT
China, sec. XX In black soapstone. Traces of red painting. Size: cm 24 x 7 x 18.
Category

20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone