An amber and green-glazed molded pillow, Liao dynasty (907-1125) © Christie's Image 2003

Molded in high relief around the sides with a frieze of foliate scroll, with boys playing amidst the leafy stems on the back which is glazed in green and amber while the rest is glazed in amber only - 9 13/16in. (24.9cm.) long. Lot 234. Estimate $5,000 - $6,000. Price Realized $4,183 

Property from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Breece III

Notes: This appears to be an unusual design in Liao dynasty pillows. However, the theme suggesting male progeny is a recurring subject matter in Chinese art. For other molded amber and green-glazed pillows of this period, but with different decoration, see the exhibition catalogue, Chinese Ceramics Pillows from Yeung Wing Tak Collection, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, 1984, pp. 211-12, nos. 107-110. 

CHRISTIE'S. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 18 September 2003, New York, Rockefeller Plaza