Chinese Blue and White Water Coupe, c. 1850

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 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 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 19th century porcelain saucer is a lovely example of Chinese blue-and-white ceramics. The petite dish is finely worked with thin walls and delicate brus...

Calligraphic sweeps of blue bring this 19th-century footed plate to life, brushed atop a blue-grey glaze that cloaks its simple ceramic form. Once used as an everyday serving dish, t...

A delicate example of the time-honored practice of blue-and-white ceramics, this 19th century porcelain soup spoon was likely used as an everyday ...

A fine Chinese shipwreck blue and white decorated large porcelain kendi, or pouring vessel, Transitional Period, late Ming or early Qing Dynasty, mid...

Chinese blue and white vase.

Tall Chinese blue and off-white vase.

Chinese blue and white vase.

A 19th century Chinese blue and white porcelain candle stand.

Chinese blue and white ceramic vase.