Pillow in the shape of a recumbent child, Ding ware type, Northern Song to Jin dynasty, 12th century

Pillow in the shape of a recumbent child, Ding ware type, Northern Song to Jin dynasty, 12th century

• Image Number: K1B014204N000000000PAB
• Dynasty: Northern Song dynasty
• Category: Ceramics
• Function: Furnishings
• Material: Minerals/Ceramics/
• Description:
  The same shape as the old porcelain 4923, but not the same mold. The vest is carved with twining four seasons pattern and double hook wide curling grass edge. The hem of the gown is patterned with a group pattern composed of two flowers. The door of the pot is smooth. The glaze is slightly grayish yellow, and the surface of the ware is often adhered by friction, fine cracks and stains. It seems that the kiln temperature during the original firing was not properly controlled. According to the Record of Dreams: “On Qixi, both the court and the expensive house are made to sell grinding, drinking and music, also known as Mola. Children are known to use civil sculpture, and more importantly, they use to make carved and decorated wooden seats, use blue gauze to cover them, and use tables to frame them…” This kind of sculpture babies are worshipped in wooden seats, which is a popular custom from Bianjing to Hangzhou. In addition to the pillow at the waist recess of children, this work should also show the appearance of this sculpture used for festival decoration.