Antique Chinese Stoneware Ceramic Opium Money Pillow

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Antique Chinese Stoneware Ceramic Opium Money Pillow This pillow was purchased in Macau in January 1961 and came from my father's estate. He was a world traveler and avid collector of Chinese and Asian art. A fascinating ceramic pillow with crackle finishes in tones of pale gray and greenish-blue glaze that was likely splashed on right before firing. Many traditional ceramic pillows are in the shape of a small child or animal and are lower than this pillow with its tall sides and angled top. Some others were rectangular shape wrist rests. It is hard to imagine feeling comfortable on such a pillow; however, it would be quite cooling in hot, muggy weather. This may or may not have been an opium pillow. No matter its use, it has certainly seen use as t is wear on the corners and bottom edges. This enhances its character and makes it that much lovelier. T are no cracks or restorations. A symmetrical cut out on the front creates a window effect. On the back is a large circular hole that acts as a handle, of sorts, to easily pick up the pillow. The space inside probably provided room for the user to place personal valuables while indulging in opium, were that the case. My research has also disclosed that sometimes these pillows were called money pillows because the owner stashed their money inside while they slept. The slab construction read more

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