Tiger Pillow

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Title	Tiger Pillow
Artist	Artist Unknown (China)
Date	late 12th century
Institution	Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Location	On view at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, G204

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Tiger Pillow: Gallery Label - Current

This amusing pillow is modeled in the form of a crouching tiger, with head upturned and fangs bared. The body is covered with amber-orange glaze, which, in turn, is painted with lively black stripes imparting a naturalistic look and rhythmic flare. The top of the headrest is painted with a central medallion encircling a butterfly hovering above an orchid and lotus leaf, all flanked with floral sprays.

The earliest dates inscribed on tiger-form pillows are from the Chin dynasty (1115-1234) and the theme itself may be derived from paintings of tigers, which were popular throughout the Sung period (960-1279). This type of two-color (tan and black) slip painted decoration is one of over twenty decorative techniques developed at the several Tz'u-chou kilns of North China. This marvelous example is exceptionally well preserved.

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Medium:

Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects, Ceramic | Tz'u-chou wareStoneware with black and tan glaze over a white slip under a clear glaze

Size:

4 7/8 x 14 7/8 x 7 in. (12.38 x 37.78 x 17.78 cm)

Creation Place:

Asia, China

Culture:

Asia, China

Style:

12th century, Chin dynasty

Physical Description:

ceramic pillow shaped like a reclining tiger with tail against PR side of body; flat top section decorated with floral designs and insect; brown and orange glaze

Credit:

Collection Minneapolis Institute of Arts; Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton

Accession Number:

2000.89.1

Artist:

Role:

Added to Site:

February 28, 2009