Description: This moulded Cizhou pillow of a young boy resting on his elbows and knees possibly dates to the Yuan or early Ming Dynasty. His arms are folded across his chest and his head tilts slightly down and to his left. His facial features of eyes, eyebrows, and hair are highlighted in black enamel, while his lips are enameled in brown. A black talisman hangs from his neck and his right arm displays a bracelet while his hand holds a scholar's brush. A moulded lotus blossom, signifying purity, is visible on his left side while a lingzhi mushroom, signifying longevity is visible on his right side. Hexagonal boxes filled with dots form repeating patterns on his stomach. This pillow may have been used by a woman hopeful of bearing sons. China, 13th - 16th century. 18,5 x 8,5 inches inches