Pillow, Three-color glaze

Collection NumberA002488
TitlePillow, Three-color glaze
DateTang dynasty, 8th century
Artist, Kiln, Workshop鞏義窯 Gongyi Kiln
Name of prefectures & citiesChina
Description of works【Not exactly a pillow】
This is a three-colored ceramic using brown, green, and white. Flowers believed to represent the lotus are stamped on the top, sides, and bottom of this piece in brown, green, and white using inka, a pottery stamping technique. These “pillows” are representative of tosansai (three-color glazed ware of the Tang dynasty). They were brought to Japan at about the same time that these works were being produced in China, and many can be found at Daian-ji Temple in Nara Prefecture. Although they are called pillows, they are thought to have been used as an arm rest while taking someone’s pulse or as a designated place for stationery.

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