Pillow thumbnail 1
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Pillow

700-750 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This earthenware pillow was specifically made for burials. It has an incised decoration of floral motifs and a coloured lead glaze, also known as sancai or 'three colours'. The splashed glazes resemble similar patterns found on textile tie-dyeing and batik of the same period. Similar examples have been found in graves of high standing citizens all over China.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Earthenware, with coloured lead glazes
Brief description
Pillow, LEAD glazed earthenware, China, Tang dynasty, 700-750 AD
Physical description
Earthenware pillow with incised floral motifs and sancai glaze. The splashed glazes on the surface suggest textile tie-dying or batik.
Dimensions
  • Length: 12.5cm
Style
Gallery label
(2007)
Wrist rest
Tang dynasty
700-750

Earthenware with three-coloured (sancai) glaze

Museum no. C.644-1921
Subjects depicted
Summary
This earthenware pillow was specifically made for burials. It has an incised decoration of floral motifs and a coloured lead glaze, also known as sancai or 'three colours'. The splashed glazes resemble similar patterns found on textile tie-dyeing and batik of the same period. Similar examples have been found in graves of high standing citizens all over China.
Collection
Accession number
C.644-1921

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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