Black-glazed ceramic pillow, frequently-produced during the Jin dynasty. Similar piece can be found in the Guanfu Museum, where there are black-glazed pillows depicting the Twelve Zodiac Animals. This particular piece features carvings of two lions.
Period : Northern Song-Jin Dynasty
Type : Pillow
Medium : Black glazed
Dimension : 12.5 cm(Height), 15cm(Diameter)
Condition : Good(Minor chips and crack on surface)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) Guanfu Museum
(Type : Closely Related)
http://www.guanfumuseum.org.cn/view.php?cid=583&sid=5
2) Christies HONG KONG 29 MAY 2013 - In Pursuit of Refinement - A Legacy of the YC Chen Collection - Lot 1966
(Price realised : 100,000 HKD / Type : Related)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5689732
3) Sotheby's Hong Kong 28 November 2018 - Chinese Art - Lot 396
(Price realised : 250,000 HKD / Type : Related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/chinese-art-hk0830/lot.396.html
4) Bonhams London 7 JUNE 2021 - Roger Keverne Ltd Moving On (Part II) - Lot 498
(Price realised : 7,012.5 GBP / Type : Related)
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/26572/lot/498/a-rare-chocolate-brown-glazed-pillow-jin-dynasty-2/
* Black-glazed ceramics in Northern Song-Jin dynasty
Black-glazed ceramics, also known as "black ware," were prominent during the Northern Song (960–1127) and Jin (1115–1234) dynasties. The creation of these ceramics involved the application of a rich, dark glaze, typically achieved using iron oxide. This glaze was applied over a stoneware or porcelain body, then fired at high temperatures to produce a glossy, dark finish ranging from deep brown to black. Notable techniques included the "tea-dust" glaze, which exhibited a speckled appearance, and the "oil-spot" glaze, characterized by small, iridescent spots. The high-temperature firing process was crucial for achieving the desired glaze effects and durability.
The design of black-glazed ceramics often included intricate carvings, incised, or molded decorations. Common forms included bowls, vases, jars, and ceramic pillows. These pillows, used as headrests, featured detailed designs such as floral patterns, animals, and mythical creatures. An example of this is a black-glazed ceramic pillow from the Jin dynasty, which features carvings of two lions. Similar pieces can be found in the Guanfu Museum, where black-glazed pillows depicting the Twelve Zodiac Animals are displayed. The combination of sophisticated glazing techniques and detailed decorative elements exemplifies the advanced ceramic artistry of the Northern Song and Jin dynasties.
