1723 A Yaozhou ware celadon pillow in the form of a reclining boy

This Song-dynasty Yaozhou ware celadon pillow in the form of a reclining boy demonstrates the artisan’s exceptional sculptural skill and sensitivity of expression. The child rests his head sideways on his arms, his body extended and his legs gently bent in a natural, settled pose. Most movingly, his softly closed eyes, rounded cheeks and faintly smiling lips capture the comfort and contentment of a child in deep sleep.

His head rests lightly against his sleeves, whose folds unfold in layers around his bent arms, lending the figure a convincing sense of everyday life. Floral decoration across his back, geometric patterns along the edges of his clothing and waterbird motifs on the base complement one another. Even the exposed soles of his shoes bear tiny incised dots, revealing the artisan’s care for detail. The celadon glaze varies in depth of colour over the raised and recessed surfaces, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of both the face and the decoration.

Sweet, restful sleep is one of our most fundamental human needs. By ingeniously combining the image of a sleeping child with the practical function of a pillow, this work uses sensitive modelling and rhythmic decoration to express a shared longing for a peaceful, comfortable life.