Pillow Item Number: 3588/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Blue and white porcelain pillow; hollow and rectangular in shape, with openwork on left and right sides. Openwork consists of two medallions that overlap at their edges; designs on medallions are central square cutouts and ovals along the sides. Leaves and flowers surround the medallions. Top, bottom, front, and back sides are bordered with a cloud motif; central designs are of different patterned medallions surrounded by flowering branches. Four medallions on front and back sides, done in staggered columns; seven on top and bottom with a central medallion circled by the other six.
Usually referred to as an opium pillow as they used to be used as headrests by people smoking opium.
Purchased by donors in Hong Kong in 1980. Said to be over 100 years old at that time.