Lot 34. A polished rock crystal pillow, Tang dynasty (618-907); 2 3/4in (7cm) high in the front; 2 7/8in (7.3cm) high in the back; 5 3/4in (14.6cm) width in the front; 6 1/4in (15.8cm) width in the back. Sold for US$15,300. © Bonhams 2001-2023

The solid oblong block with slightly concave and canted top, the front and back sides gently tapering down toward the front, the points and edges rounded down, the stone of translucent silvery-icy character with horizontal striations, the surface polished smooth with remains of encrusted earth from burial.

Note: Compare the small rock crystal pillow discovered at the Famen temple in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, the cache under the stupa dedicated in A.D. 874, illustrated in Famen si digong Zhenbao (Precious Cultural Relics in the Crypt of Famen Temple), Xi'an, 1988, no. 30.

See also a closely related Tang dynasty stone pillow made of white marble in this sale, lot 7.

Bonhams. J. J. Lally & Co. Fine Chinese Works of Art, New York, March 20, 2023