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Headrest with Three Lions
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Three lions—two ferocious adults and one playful cub—form the base of this Chinese headrest. Often found at burial sites, headrests probably had multiple uses for their owners, but their exact origins are unknown. As ceramic pillows, headrests were cooling on hot summer nights. As decorative objects, their form and ornamentation conveyed symbolic meaning for their owners. Lions are used as decoration on headrests because of their association with protection, as fierce beasts with the strength to ward off evil spirits while one sleeps. <br><br>While headrests made of hard materials may seem unusual now, their use crosses time periods and cultures.
| Artist / Maker | China, Liao dynasty (916-1125) |
|---|---|
| Date | 916–1125 |
| Culture / Origin | China, Liao dynasty (916-1125) |
| Medium | Glazed earthenware, sancai (three-color ware) |
| Dimensions | Overall: 13.4 x 37.9 x 18.2 cm (5 1/4 x 14 15/16 x 7 3/16 in.) |
| Department | Chinese Art |
| Type | Ceramic |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
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