Twelve inches long and nearly four pounds, this porcelain headrest in the form of a reclining child is a serious and beautiful object. Hand painted in pink, blue, and yellow enamel with a cheerful floral pattern — the dark shaded areas are part of the design, painted intentionally to suggest depth and dimension. It is unmarked, and its maker remains unknown, but the form is unmistakable.
Ceramic headrests have been made in China since the 10th century, traditionally shaped like animals, plants, or small human figures, with a curved top surface designed to support the head during sleep. The originals date from the Song through Ming dynasties and are among the most collectible objects in Chinese ceramic history. This is a 20th-century replica in the traditional style — made in the 1960s or 1970s — and highly collectible in its own right. This is a heavy piece; please keep that in mind at checkout.
A striking decorative object for a chinoiserie interior, an Asian art collector, or anyone drawn to the intersection of form, function, and centuries of craft tradition.
Maker: Unknown, unmarked, Made in China
Era: 1960s–1970s (estimated; 20th-century replica of Song–Ming dynasty form)
Material: Ceramic, hand painted enamel
Dimensions: 12.0" long × 6.0" tall × 5.0" wide
Weight: Approx. 4 lbs before packaging — please factor into shipping at checkout
Condition: Very good vintage. No issues. Dark shading is intentional painted decoration. All sales final.
