Earthenware, paintChinaDimensions: Height 10 cm by 26 cm by 70cmWeight: 830 gramsA rare ceramic headrest or pillow which is shaped in the form of a feline. The grey earthenware is decorated with red, white and light blue paint and has encrustations of earth. The animal is depicted in a crouching position, with its stomach slightly lifted, the neck stretching forward and the short tail lying on its rear. It has small ears, bulging eyes, a long nose and whiskers. The big mouth is slightly opened and has no teeth. The facial parts are outlined in white and red, and the body is decorated with curved lines in blue, white and red which are suggesting wings. The beast has a body like a leopard or tiger. According to Chinese classic texts, this kind of mythical creature is called pixiu and it is believed to scare harmful spirits. Headrests made of terra-cotta or porcelain were popular in the periods of Tang, Song and Ming period. As early as the 8th century, headrests were modelled in the form of a leopard (see Hsueh-man Shen (ed.), Schätze der Liao. Chinas vergessene Nomadendynastie [907-1125]. Zurich 2006, p. 346). In the periods of Song and Liao from 10th to 13th century, headrests had the forms of tigers, or they were painted with tiger motifs. Headrests or pillows with tiger decoration were mainly produced in the Cizhou kilns in North China. They were objects for everyday use. At night, a headrest helped to protect the hairdo, and in summer, it helped to keep the head cool.pared to ceramic headrests found in tombs, this colourful rustic headrest is unique and probably made at a later date.AUCTION DATE:Saturday 23rd April 202211:00 - 13:00Preview:15. April - 17. April 2022 from 09:00 - 17:00AUCTION LOCATIONThe SpaceVorm Eichholz 2f42119 WuppertalGermanyEXHIBITED ONLY:Family Collection HofDelsbergerallee 654053 BaselSwitzerlandSPECIAL NOTESAll Lots are in Basel , and will be ped from there.All items must be paid to Hardt Auctions GmbHThe ment has to be arranged by the buyer.Hardt Auctions can not be held resposible for Export documents or local laws forCH-4132 Muttenz+41 61 467 95 00E-Mail:Kraft E.L.S. AGFlorenz-Strasse 5CH-4142 Münchenstein+41 61 337 92 30E-Mail: info@kraft-els.chFILE ACCESSFor Pictures ,Movies and Provenances please visit:Liveauctioneers51bidlivedrouot-digitalepailivethe-saleroomlot-tissimo