Lot 42. A Cizhou green-glazed pillow, Jin Dynasty (1115-1234); 20cm wide. Sold for €1,280. © Bonhams 2001-2024

Of kidney shape, the slightly concave top boldly carved to the centre with a peony spray within a semi-circular panel with a striated combed border, encircled by large trefoil petals, covered overall with a transparent glaze of a rich green tone pooling to a dark green colour in the recessed parts of the design and continuing down the sides stopping unevenly above the unglazed base, the reverse with a circular firing aperture.

Provenance: A European private collection.

Note: Green lead-glazed wares are one many categories of Cizhou ceramics that were made in the Cizhou kilns in southern Hebei between the tenth and fourteenth centuries. Of the green-glazed Cizhou wares, pillows represent by far the largest group. Inscribed examples of green-glazed Cizhou pillows confirm that this subgroup of Cizhou wares was often gifted to newlyweds or as congratulatory objects. Compare a green-glazed pillow with a similar design in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, accession no.98.72.2.

Pillow, 12th century, Cizhou ware Stoneware with carved décor under green glaze, 13.34 x 39.37 x 29.21 cm. Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, accession no.98.72.2.

Bonhams. CHINESE ART, Paris, 12 June 2024