Headrest in the Form of a Theater

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Yuan dynasty, 1279–1368
Date: late 13th–mid-14th century
Material: Jingdezhen ware; porcelain with carved and applied decoration under bluish-white (qingbai) glaze
made in: Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China, Asia
Classification: Ceramics, jewelry & personal accessories
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 6 3/4 × 12 × 6 3/4 in. (17.1 × 30.5 × 17.1 cm)
Credit Line: Spink Asian Art Collection, Bequest of Edith J. and C. C. Johnson Spink
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 148:2014

NOTES

This is a rare porcelain headrest in the form of a theater with a surrounding balustrade. The object is modeled in high relief on all four sides with figural and architectural details. The shaped top is slanted toward one of the long sides and decorated with a design of interlocking coins within an undulating border. During the Yuan dynasty, drama attained such a high point in the history of Chinese literature and performing arts that theatrical structures inspired the production of ceramic headrests.

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