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Artist:
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Artist Unknown
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Title:
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Tiger Pillow
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Date:
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late 12th century
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Medium:
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Tz'u-chou ware
Stoneware with black and tan glaze over a white slip under a clear glaze
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Dimensions:
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4 7/8 x 14 7/8 x 7 in. (12.38 x 37.78 x 17.78 cm)
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Credit Line:
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Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
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Location:
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Gallery 204
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This amusing pillow is modeled in the form of a crouching tiger, with head upturned and fangs bared. The body is covered with amber-orange glaze, which, in turn, is painted with lively black stripes imparting a naturalistic look and rhythmic flare. The top of the headrest is painted with a central medallion encircling a butterfly hovering above an orchid and lotus leaf, all flanked with floral sprays.
The earliest dates inscribed on tiger-form pillows are from the Chin dynasty (1115-1234) and the theme itself may be derived from paintings of tigers, which were popular throughout the Sung period (960-1279). This type of two-color (tan and black) slip painted decoration is one of over twenty decorative techniques developed at the several Tz'u-chou kilns of North China. This marvelous example is exceptionally well preserved.
Object Description
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Classification:
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Ceramic
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Physical Description:
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ceramic pillow shaped like a reclining tiger with tail against PR side of body; flat top section decorated with floral designs and insect; brown and orange glaze
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Creation Place:
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Asia, China
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Accession #:
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2000.89.1
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Owner:
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The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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