Pair of Reproduction Chinoiserie Asian Ceramic Opium Pillows

Description

What have now become a quaint addition to an Asian or Chinoiserie home decor aesthetic, Opium pillows do not have … more What have now become a quaint addition to an Asian or Chinoiserie home decor aesthetic, Opium pillows do not have an past. The history of these pillows can be traced back to centuries. Not only were they used for a functional purpose they served several roles. Opium dens were dimly lit, and users often felt drowsy after smoking opium. The ceramic pillows provided a cool and comfortable surface for their heads. Many ceramic pillows were hollow, allowing people to store valuables inside. Users would place their precious items within the pillow, securing them against a wall, and then rest their heads on the cool surface. Chinese craftsmen adorned these pillows with culturally significant symbols, poetry, and intricate designs. Some featured motifs from China’s earliest dynasties. The exterior of ceramic pillows felt cool to the touch, providing refreshment in hot and humid climates. This offering is for two wonderful examples of such pillows. The first is a lovely blue and white traditional Chinoiserie design of a male. Most pillows using a person's figure, had them laying in repose. The really cool part about this pillow is that the figure has actual nostrils. It measures 12.5" long x 5.5" tall x 6" wide. The second pillow is a bit more elaborate. Done in multiple bright colors of red, green, black and gold. This figure has a joyful demeanor and looks very festive. It measuers 12.5 long x 6.5" tall x 6" wide. Both pieces are very weighty. Made in the 1980s, per the estate sale owner. Thee are no chips, cracks or crazing. Some glaze marks during production. These are being sold as a pair. less