A SMALL AMBER-GLAZED MARBLED PILLOW

TANG DYNASTY, 8TH-9TH CENTURY

Details

A SMALL AMBER-GLAZED MARBLED PILLOW
TANG DYNASTY, 8TH-9TH CENTURY
Of rounded octagonal form with a slightly concave top which is decorated with a pattern of marbled ovoid reserves, with some further areas of marbling on the sides, one of which is pierced, the red areas of the marbled ware appearing brown through the transparent amber glaze which partially continues onto the flat base exposing the buff ware
5½ in. (14 cm.) long, box

Provenance

Acquired in 1991.

Lot Essay

Marbling, jiao tai, became a popular decorative technique on ceramics of the Tang dynasty, and was applied to a number of different forms, including jars, cups, bowls, dishes and censers. Sections of marbling were also inlaid into larger items, such as pillows, for special decorative effect. The marbled appearance could be achieved either by combining clays of different colors when making the vessel, or by using two contrasting slips on the surface of the vessel. In either case the piece was afterwards covered with a transparent glaze, the most popular of which was amber, as seen on the present lot.

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