Pillow, detail of decoration

Add to album

This pillow is made of a hollow cylindrical frame of wood with silk each end. Japanese wore their hair swept up making this kind of pillow used under the neck allowed the hair to stay in place and was both cool and comfortable.

The pillow is decorated with cracked eggshell in clear lacquer to imitate a fish skin. Low relief gold patterns of bird, flowers and a lattice fill alternate diagonal bands with a plain band between. Gold foil and clear lacquer build up the design.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-104-639-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1938.230
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Pillow
  
• Dimensions: 11.38" L x 5.25" D
  
• What: Pillow
  
• Subject: Lacquer and wood / boxes, trays
  
• Who:
• Where: Japan
  
• Event:
• Description: Wood pillow covered with ray skin, cylindrical with cut away ends, one end closed and the other with a stopper attached by a cord, with coloured bands and gold lacquer: Japan, 19th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: