Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest, c. 1900

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...

This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-brushed shading, the sides of the jar are deco...

Very nice antique Chinese blue and white vase.

A set of 3 wonderfully hand-painted Chinese blue & white ceramic spoons circa 1850. They bear double happiness signs and wonderful, sculptural shape. A g...

A set of 3 wonderfully hand-painted Chinese blue & white ceramic spoons circa 1850. They bear a floral pattern design and beautiful, sculptural shape. A ...

A wonderfully hand-painted set of 4 Chinese blue & white ceramic spoons circa 1850. They bear double happiness signs and wonderful, sculptural shape. A g...