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Pillow with a falcon attacking a swan

12th–13th century
Not on view
The spring hunt and a related autumnal event were integral to the yearly cycle of the Jurchen, a nomadic people from the northeast who controlled much of northern China as the Jin dynasty. The motif of a tiny hawk capturing a much larger swan (or goose) was found in jade, textiles, and ceramics produced during their rule.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 金　磁州窯白地黑彩鶻搏天鵝“春水”瓷枕
  • Title: Pillow with a falcon attacking a swan
  • Period: Jin dynasty (1115–1234)
  • Date: 12th–13th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Stoneware painted with brown and black pigment on white slip under transparent glaze (Cizhou ware)
  • Dimensions: L. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); H. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm); D. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Gift of Ernest Erickson Foundation, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.214.132
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

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Dung-Chen, Brass, copper, cloisonné, Chinese
Dung-Chen
Chinese
1368–1644
Pillow with boy on hobbyhorse, Zhang family workshop, Stoneware painted with brown and black pigment over white slip under clear glaze (Cizhou ware), China
Pillow with boy on hobbyhorse
Zhang family workshop
12th–13th century
Dung Chen, Cloisonne brass, Chinese
Dung Chen
Chinese
1368–1644
Pillow with landscapes featuring Daoist figures and a tiger, Zhang family workshop, Stoneware with painted decoration over white slip under clear glaze (Cizhou ware), China
Pillow with landscapes featuring Daoist figures and a tiger
Zhang family workshop
13th–14th century
Pair of Stirrups, Iron, gold, wood, Chinese
Pair of Stirrups
Chinese
1368–1644

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