ticketsMember | Make a donation

Pillow in the shape of an infant boy

19th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 222
Jadeite was introduced into China from Myanmar, probably in the seventeenth century, and became a favored material at the eighteenth-century Qing court for its intense green color, high translucency, and vitreous luster. This remarkable sculpture of a crouching boy is modeled after the ceramic pillows of the same shape that were produced at the famed kilns of the Song period (960–1279). It not only illustrates the elegant taste of the Qing court but also denotes the increased access to the prized material. The boy, a common motif in Chinese art, expresses the wish for multiple children to carry on the family line.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 清 翡翠孩兒枕
  • Title: Pillow in the shape of an infant boy
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: 19th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Jade (jadeite)
  • Dimensions: H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); L. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm)
  • Classification: Jade
  • Credit Line: Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
  • Object Number: 02.18.426
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 953. Kids: Pillow in the Form of an Infant Boy

953. Kids: Pillow in the Form of an Infant Boy

0:00
0:00
We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. Please email info@metmuseum.org to request a transcript for this track.

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Water receptacle, Jade (jadeite), China
Water receptacle
China
19th century
Garment hook with feline motif, Jade (jadeite), China
Garment hook with feline motif
China
19th century
Garment hook, Jade (jadeite), China
Garment hook
China
19th century
Incense burner in the shape of an archaic tripod (ding), Jade (jadeite), China
Incense burner in the shape of an archaic tripod (ding)
China
19th century
Snuff bottle, Jade (jadeite), China
Snuff bottle
China
19th century

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.