Neck-Support – Headrest

Headrest

Headrest in an rounded cylindric shape. Sides with flower decoration. Rests of fire supports on the bottom. Smooth glaze in grey-green colors.

Object ID
Korea_007

Age
Koryō Period, 918 – 1392 AD

Material
Ceramics / Seladon

Color
grey-green

Height
11 cm

Width
20.5 cm

Depth
7 cm

Condition
Very Good

Price
on request

Description

The headrest has a cylindric shape with a rounded lying surface. The sides are decorated each with a medaillon of 16 engraved leaves of lotus flowers. Rests of four fire supports are visible on the bottom. Those traces bear witness that the object during the firing process was held by small pebbles which were removed after burning. On the side surfaces and between the fire supports appear small areas of oxidation.

The surface all around is of smooth glaze in grey-green colors. There are also gaps on both sides of the rounded lying area. These served the process of drying and should help to avoid damages by cracks or shrinks. In Korea headrests were popular objects to escape the heat in summer-time.
It is known from Chinese Cizhou ware that headrests were also part of the death cult. [1] (HV)

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[1] Wiesner, Ulrich (1983): Chinesische und japanische Keramik. In: museum (Dez. 1983): Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln. Westermann Verlag. Braunschweig. 70