Vintage Porcelain Chinese opium Pillow Head Rest. Measures 5 1/2" in height by 10". Excellent condition.
This vintage Chinese porcelain headrest, traditionally referred to as an "opium pillow," is a fascinating artifact of Eastern material culture. Measuring ten inches in length, this brick-shaped vessel was designed with a dual purpose: the cool, hard surface of the glazed porcelain provided a refreshing resting place for the neck in humid climates, while the hollow interior served as a secure storage compartment for a person's valuables.
The striking contrast of the underglaze blue against the stark white porcelain makes this an quintessential piece for a Dark Academia or Global Curio collection. Its architectural form and scholarly history allow it to serve as a sophisticated "bookend" on a library shelf or as a unique sculptural element on a dark wood console. This piece is in excellent condition, with the glaze retaining its brilliant luster and the hand-painted botanical details remaining sharp and vivid. It represents a time-honored tradition of Chinese ceramic innovation, where utility and artistry were seamlessly combined into a single, enduring object.
This item is vintage, approximately 60 years old.
