pillow BM-1936-1012.169

Period:Jin dynasty Production date:1115-1234
Materials:stoneware
Technique:glazed, incised,
Subjects:animal
Dimensions:Height: 23.40 centimetres Width: 33.50 centimetres Depth: 29.20 centimetres

Description:
Cizhou-type stoneware pillow. This leaf-shaped pillow is set on a square base. It was probably coated first with white slip and then with black slip, which was incised and then cut away to leave the design of the dancing bear, holding a ragged staff, chained to a pole. A transparent glaze was then applied. Made of glazed and incised stoneware.
IMG


Comments:Michaelson 2006:The term ‘Cizhou’ ware refers to a type of sturdy stoneware produced at many kilns throughout the northern Chinese provinces of Hebei, Henan and Shaanxi. They tend to be heavily potted and boldly decorated, with freely drawn designs. They are often referred to as ‘popular’ ceramics as opposed to the more refined wares produced for the imperial court.The design is of a dancing bear tied to a pole. No doubt such bears were a form of entertainment in Chinese marketplaces – ‘boxing’ bears can still be seen today. Bears were particularly popular because the Chinese word for bear (‘xiong’) sounds the same as the Chinese word for bravery. There are many examples of bears decorating materials such as ceramic and jade, both as sculptures and as supports, particularly during the Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220).