Chinese Lacquer Pillow

A glossy red-brown bolster with an orange end and a tiny flower on it.

This lacquerware pillow is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 20th century. Shanxi Province in northern China has a long history of craft production, including lacquer, woodwork and ceramics made for household and market use. A long, rounded block with softly curved sides, lacquered in deep reddish brown with bright orange-red ends. One end face is black with a fine gold floral medallion. The surface is smooth and glossy with light wear. It is 10 inches wide, 5 deep and 5 high.

A cozy-looking slab with a hidden floral secret.