Pair of Pillow Ends thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Pair of Pillow Ends

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This pair of octagonal pillow ends is decorated with an eight-pointed star, a common motif in Islamic architecture. It is formed by a square interlocking with a lozenge. These decorative plaques were sewn to the ends of pillows that furnished the seats and beds of the royal family and of wealthy nobles.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Pillow Ornament
  • Pillow Ornament
Materials and techniques
Silver, chased and repoussé
Brief description
Pair of pillow ends (muka bantal), silver with chased and repoussé ornaments, Malaysia, 19th century
Physical description
Pair of octagonal pillow ends (muka bantal), of silver with chased and repoussé eight-pointed star, floral and leaf designs.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 11.3cm
Credit line
Given by Sir Richard O. Winstedt KBE, CMG
Object history
Sir Richard Olaf Winstedt (1878-1966), colonial administrator and Malay scholar, educated at Magdalen College School and at New College, Oxford. After retired from Malayan Civil Service in 1935 he was appointed lecturer and then reader in Malay at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London.

He started as a Cadet in the Federated Malay States civil service in 1902 and was posted to Perak where he studied Malay language and culture. He spent 10 years in Perak and wrote four books in a government-published series called “Papers on Malay Subjects”.

In 1909 he wrote about Malay Industries: Arts and Crafts with a chapter on Malay gold and silver. It was during his time in Perak that he met fellow colleague, R.J. Wilkinson, a distinguished Malay scholar, also a collector of Malay silverware.

In 1912, due to ill health he took home leave and returned back to London. On 11 June 1912 Winstedt lent his collection of 68 examples of Malay silversmiths’ work and weapons that he collected in Perak in 1902-12, for exhibition at the V&A for a period of 12 months. The loan had then been extended and finally Winstedt offered his whole collection to the Museum as gifts in 1958
(museum numbers, IS.28 to 81-1958).
Summary
This pair of octagonal pillow ends is decorated with an eight-pointed star, a common motif in Islamic architecture. It is formed by a square interlocking with a lozenge. These decorative plaques were sewn to the ends of pillows that furnished the seats and beds of the royal family and of wealthy nobles.
Collection
Accession number
IS.28&A-1958

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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