An extremely rare and large raozhou qingbai glazed floral pillow, Northern Song Dynasty (AD960-1127). Estimate HKD650,000 - 850,000 (TWD2,632,000 - 3,441,000) (USD83,800 - 109,600). Photo courtesy Ravenel.

The pillow's surface is shaped like the traditional Chinese ruyi motif, with an arched edge that is cocked up on three sides. The oval body is much narrower than the surface, with the walls slightly slanted and engraved all round with a floral design. The entire pillow is glazed celadon, with a green shimmer to the predominantly white finish. The celadon hue is more pronounced where the glaze is more thickly applied. Where the body is exposed, the pure white of the china clay dominates. The surface has a kaiguang border, but no decorative design of any kind in the center. However, a floral pattern runs along the outer edge of the border, featuring raised and recessed parts to create a bas-relief effect. This large piece of Raozhou ware, preserved without flaw or damage, is highly representative of Northern Song celadon glazed pillows. L 28 cm x H 16.5 cm

PROVENANCE: Old Private Hong Kong Collection

Ravenel Spring Auction 2015 Hong Kong. Literati Sublimation - Oriental Arts for the Chinese Scholars. Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 3:30 PM. Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel Boardroom, Mezzanine Floor, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong