New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2006.

Bean-Shaped Headrest with Decoration of a Fruited Melon Vine

Artist Unknown

CultureChinese | Jin Dynasty

Date12th - early 13th century

MediumCeramic | Lead-glazed ware | Brick-red earthenware with all-over coating of white slip, the decoration incised through the white slip and the piece coated with lead-fluxed green, yellow, and clear glazes

DimensionsOverall: 4 3/4 x 9 1/4 x 14 1/2 in. (12.1 x 23.5 x 36.8 cm)

Credit LinePerry Collection Purchase

Object number54.47.5

Collections

Asian Art

On View

On view

DescriptionKidney shaped pillow has rounded corners and sides, shallow concave top surface. Design incised to keep glaze colors from running (with moderate success). Central panel design of large leaves and pear-shaped fluted fruit (starfruit?) in green with cream background bordered by 5 incised lines glazed yellow. Green glaze flows unevenly halfway down sides which are decorated with multiple incised lines, at bordering a band of freely incised floral motifs. Bottom flat, unglazed. Firing hole 1/2" diameter in highest side (piece hollow); large old chip from center of short side below glaze; several glaze irregularities; large jagged hole on bottom with one major crack extending up side. Possibly Tang-yang-yu or Chiao-tsu.

Published ReferencesFECB, March 1952, Plate V, p. 12.