Chinese Blue and White Peony Congee Pot, circa 1900

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...

An everyday example of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, this petite footed dish charms with expressive sweeps of blue atop a blue-grey underglaze. The tapered sides are loosely brus...

An everyday example of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, this petite footed dish charms with expressive sweeps of blue atop a blue-grey underglaze. Once used for serving food and dri...

An everyday example of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, this petite footed dish charms with expressive sweeps of blue atop a blue-grey underglaze. Once used for serving food and dri...

This late 19th century footed bowl would have been offered by Chinese traders traveling along the Silk Road in exchange for spices or gems. The Chinese a...

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...

Very nice antique Chinese blue and white vase.

Very nice antique Chinese blue and white vase.

These are a well made very decorative small cloisonné salt and pepper pot, made in China and dating to the mid-19th century. Both pieces a...

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