Chinese Ceramic Pillow
Ceramic Pillow
Artist/Maker: Chiang Family
Object Date: 13-14th century
Materials: Stoneware with white slip, underglaze iron and transparent glaze
Description:
The object is a rectangular “ingot-shaped” stoneware pillow. The top face contains a scene depicting Li Cunxiao’s Killing of a Tiger, while the four vertical faces are decorated with various floral and foliate designs. An inscription referring to the Chiang family, the creators of this object, is stamped on the underside of the pillow.
Fabrication/Techniques:
The pillow was likely slab built with individual pieces formed free-hand or shaped in molds and then assembled together to form the hollow ‘box’ of the pillow. The slabs likely would have been joined together by scoring and slipping the adjoining edges. Once the pillow was fully assembled it would have undergone an initial bisque firing. The pillow would then have been covered with white slip, allowed to dry, and then the decoration painted with an iron-based pigment. The final step would be the application of a transparent glaze before a final firing. The small hole present toward the top of the back side is likely a vent which is critical in the manufacture of hollow form ceramics as it allows steam out of the body during firing.
Context:
This object is an example of a Cizhou wares, a type of Chinese ceramic that dates from the Late Tang to the early Ming dynasties, but is most associated with the Song dynasty. These stoneware objects were produced at many kilns throughout the Northern Chinese provinces of Hebei, Shanxi and Henan, with one of the primary centers of production being the Cizhou kiln. Cizhou wares are typically simply yet elegantly decorated with a cream or buff slip and black painted design. Birds and flowers, as well as folk tales and songs were common decorations.
Cizhou pillows became popular in the late twelfth century. Their rise in fashion and popularity was closely linked to the development of narrative and performing arts, whose lyrics and stories decorate these pillows. This pillow in particular depicts Li Cunxiao’s Killing of a Tiger, in which Li Cunxiao bravely fights a tiger with his bare hands which captures the attention of Prince Li Keyong as he passes by. The prince later adopts Li Cunxiao and promotes him to a general.
Treatment
Purpose of Treatment
The objective of this treatment is to increase legibility of the object, particularly the top surface, and give it a more cared for appearance overall.
Treatment (completed)
1. Before, during and after treatment examination and photodocumentation.
2. Surface cleaning
3. Stain reduction of cracks on top surface
4. Addressed prior restorations and executed new fills where needed
5. Inpainted fills
During Treatment Photography
Photodocumentation
Before Treatment
During Treatment
After Treatment
