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Description
I don't have a lot of information on these. I was told at one time that they are late 19thc. Chinese and that they were used as pillows? I was wondering if they are earlier than 19thc. They do not have any damage except the expected crazing....Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Category
Pottery
Medium
pottery
Distinguishing marks
none
Condition
Excellent
Date Period
late 19th century or earlier
Weight
7" H--4 3/4"W--3 1/4"D
History
found at antique store in the south
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
unknown
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Re: Old Green Chinese? Pottery Opium Pillows?
Those would indeed be opium pillows. They were used in opium dens in the 19th century in China. People would put their wallet and personal items inside the hole, then lay down to smoke their opium, then they would push the open end against the wall and lay down. This way, while intoxicated, nobody could steal their belongings. They also claimed the opium made the pillows feel soft as a cloud, and that the cold of the porcelain counteracted the warmth the opium filled its users with. More wealthy smokers would own the porcelain ones such as you have (usually much more elaborate in pattern). There were also leather and wooden opium pillows too. I myself have not seen ones as plain as yours until now, which makes yours quite unique.
This would be your typical ceramic opium pillow:
http://www.chineseartinscotland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Chinese-opium-pillow1.jpg
Note the intricate detailing on the side where the openings are. The other side of this would have a hole as yours do.
It would be very uncommon to find a soft pillow in an opium den. It was useless to them because the opium brought them warmth that these cold pillows counteracted, and they could hide their items easily inside them, which made them a worthwhile investment.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact me, I am knowledgable in the field of opium related antiques.