Description:

East Asia, China, Ming to Qing Dynasty, ca. 14th to 19th century CE. A rare stone pillow carved in the form of a crouching young boy covered in a thick layer of stucco. The boy kneels with his elbows resting forward, seemingly holding a flower, and bears a relief lock pendant on his back - an emblem of protection, security, and longevity, traditionally commissioned by families for newborns. His head is shaved except for a distinctive topknot, a customary hairstyle for young boys. While most known pillows from earlier periods like the Song Dynasty were crafted from porcelain, this stone example is a rare find. Boys were seen as symbols of good fortune, and this pillow may have served a funerary function, used as a headrest for the deceased during body preparation. The curved resting area shows no wear from prolonged use, suggesting it was created for eternal sleep. Size: 7.75" L x 4" W x 4.75" H (19.7 cm x 10.2 cm x 12.1 cm)

Provenance: private Boise, Idaho, USA collection; ex-California, USA collection

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#193525

  • Condition: Abrasions and chips throughout, and flaking to stucco surface.

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July 25, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000