This Chinese stoneware sculpture is decorated with bold honeycomb relief and flowing brown glazes over warm buff stoneware.
The glaze was allowed to run freely during firing, creating rich tonal variation that accentuates the relief carving.
The strong rectangular form and carved ornament give the piece the presence of an architectural fragment or scholar’s object.
A hidden detail revealed on close inspection is a small bee emerging quietly within the carved design, subtly integrated into the honeycomb pattern.
Chinese ceramic pillows of the 19th century, while originally functional, are now appreciated as compact works of ceramic sculpture whose form, glaze, and carved ornament reward careful looking.
Dimensions: Height 6 in.; Width 5.75 in.; Depth 2.75 in.
Decoration: Honeycomb relief with hidden bee motif and cloud collar borders
Condition: Excellent
Price: $245
Material: Stoneware with brown running glaze over buff body
Origin: China
Date: 19th Century