This pillow with a foliated rim is decorated with 'sancai' ('three-colour') glaze. It would have been part of an elaborate set of burial wares. The pillow is adorned with a rosette in the centre and is supported by a reclining unclothed figure of a baby boy.The practice of using lead-glazed burial wares had already started during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). This glaze technology further developed during the Tang dynasty (618-906) into ‘sancai’ (‘three-colour’) glaze. This included colours such as cream, amber, brown and blue. This tradition of decoration continued into the Ming period. The custom of making burial wares was an ancient practice. It was believed that these wares were necessary for the deceased in the next world. Elaborate groups of burial wares were also a display of wealth and social status.
