Chinese Blue & White Porcelain
"Opium Pillow"
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/2/7/132721643/published/1pxl-20220529-191025089.jpg?1653866959)
For sale:
www.ebay.com/itm/155026810333
Type: Opium Pillow
Material: Blue and white glazed porcelain
Age: 19th C. (1800s) to early 20th C (1900s)
Origin/Maker: Chinese, diamond lozenge shaped maker's mark on two largest faces.
Size: 6" (15.24 cm) x 5 1/8" (13.018 cm) x 2 5/8" (6.67 cm)
Weight: 2 lb 8.4 oz (1145.321 g)
Provenance: Laughing Buddha Thrift, Carpinteria, CA
Collected: Purchased 28MAY2022
Condition: Item is used in fair condition commensurate with age, see photos. Lots of scratches to glaze. Small old chips to several corners and edges.
Subject: Block shaped Chinese porcelain pillow, called an "Opium Pillow". One large opening (supposedly used to hold belongings within the pillow) and small openings on the other side. Pillow decorated in under glaze blue and white with designs of Foo Lions playing with balls.
"An opium pillow was often made from wood, leather or porcelain. Wooden and leather pillows were rectangular and looked like simple neck supports while the porcelain ones had elaborate designs. Pillows in the shapes of cats, angels or even babies were quite popular. Even though porcelain is hard, after a few smokes from the opium pipe the smoker would feel like their head was laying on a cloud. The cool porcelain would have been a nice relief for the heated skin. Square ceramic opium pillows were produced in China and often exported to commercial opium dens in overseas Chinese communities in North America or Europe. One end is often decorated, the other end has an opening where the smoker could store his wallet. Once all valuable items were inside, the aperture side was pushed against the wall while the head rested on the pillow. This way valuables were stored safely while the owner was intoxicated."
(shop.serescollection.com/blogs/news/a-short-but-important-history-on-opium-dens)
Location:
Antique Chinese Blue & White Porcelain "Opium Pillow" Foo Lions 1800s
www.ebay.com/itm/155026810333
Type: Opium Pillow
Material: Blue and white glazed porcelain
Age: 19th C. (1800s) to early 20th C (1900s)
Origin/Maker: Chinese, diamond lozenge shaped maker's mark on two largest faces.
Size: 6" (15.24 cm) x 5 1/8" (13.018 cm) x 2 5/8" (6.67 cm)
Weight: 2 lb 8.4 oz (1145.321 g)
Provenance: Laughing Buddha Thrift, Carpinteria, CA
Collected: Purchased 28MAY2022
Condition: Item is used in fair condition commensurate with age, see photos. Lots of scratches to glaze. Small old chips to several corners and edges.
Subject: Block shaped Chinese porcelain pillow, called an "Opium Pillow". One large opening (supposedly used to hold belongings within the pillow) and small openings on the other side. Pillow decorated in under glaze blue and white with designs of Foo Lions playing with balls.
"An opium pillow was often made from wood, leather or porcelain. Wooden and leather pillows were rectangular and looked like simple neck supports while the porcelain ones had elaborate designs. Pillows in the shapes of cats, angels or even babies were quite popular. Even though porcelain is hard, after a few smokes from the opium pipe the smoker would feel like their head was laying on a cloud. The cool porcelain would have been a nice relief for the heated skin. Square ceramic opium pillows were produced in China and often exported to commercial opium dens in overseas Chinese communities in North America or Europe. One end is often decorated, the other end has an opening where the smoker could store his wallet. Once all valuable items were inside, the aperture side was pushed against the wall while the head rested on the pillow. This way valuables were stored safely while the owner was intoxicated."
(shop.serescollection.com/blogs/news/a-short-but-important-history-on-opium-dens)
Location:
Antique Chinese Blue & White Porcelain "Opium Pillow" Foo Lions 1800s