Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest

$288
£218.53
€249.87
CA$402.26
A$447.26
CHF 233.53
MX$5,444.20
NOK 2,979.77
SEK 2,791.90
DKK 1,864.80
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

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 mid-20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with rich, cobalt-blue color. 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-shaped ventilation cutouts, symbolizing wealth and happiness.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
  • Style:
    Chinese Export (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Porcelain,Glazed
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Early 20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CESB029A1stDibs: LU820031377202

More From This Seller

View All
Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This large 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 early 20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with rich, cobalt-blue color. The headrest is decorated on all sides with mythical fu lion dogs playing with ribbon-tied brocade balls, 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. A geometric meander trims the corners and small dragon-like bats frame coin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Headrest with Guardian Lion, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In order to keep her elaborate hairstyle intact while sleeping, a well-to-do Qing-dynasty woman once used this ceramic box as a pillow. Lavishly decorated in the traditional blue-and...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Jar with Mythical Fu Lions
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

You May Also Like

Vintage Blue & White Chinese Garden Seat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage blue & white Chinese garden seat with an overall floral leaf design. Will brighten up any setting.
Category

20th Century Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Small Blue & White Garden Seat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very sweet smaller scale vibrant blue and white garden seat / side table. Perfect next to a chair for your cocktail.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Ceramics

Materials

Clay, Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Garden Stool/Seat
Located in East Hampton, NY
Chinese blue and white garden seat/stool/table.
Category

20th Century Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Asian Garden Seat in Blue and White Floral Motifs
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Asian ceramic garden seat or end table in blue and white floral motif. Blue and white Chinese style ceramic garden stool with hand-painted striking floral chinoiserie floral art work...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Ming Style Blue and White BW Bunch Of Lotus Charger 19c Qing
Located in Richmond, CA
An antique Chinese porcelain charger, hand decorated in underglaze blue and white, exemplifying the revered Ming style. The focal point, a central medallion within a double circle bo...
Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Blue and White Porcelain Garden Seat
Located in New York, NY
Of hexagonal form; decorated in blue with pagodas in riverscape settings. Collection of Mario Buatta, New York, NY
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Stools

Materials

Porcelain, Paint