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Pillow with boy on hobbyhorse

12th–13th century
Not on view
Hobbyhorses appear in Chinese painting and decorative arts as early as the twelfth century. It is possible that this popular children’s toy, which is also sometimes cited as the precursor of the bicycle, was invented in China and spread from there to the Western world.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pillow with boy on hobbyhorse
  • Artist: Zhang family workshop
  • Period: Jin dynasty (1115–1234)
  • Date: 12th–13th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Stoneware painted with brown and black pigment over white slip under clear glaze (Cizhou ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 4 in. (10.2 cm); W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); L. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1960
  • Object Number: 60.73.2
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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
Dung-Chen, Brass, copper, cloisonné, Chinese
Dung-Chen
Chinese
1368–1644
Pillow with a falcon attacking a swan , Stoneware painted with brown and black pigment on white slip under transparent glaze (Cizhou ware), China

Pillow with a falcon attacking a swan

China
12th–13th century
Dung Chen, Cloisonne brass, Chinese
Dung Chen
Chinese
1368–1644
Helmet, Iron, gold, velvet, Chinese
Helmet
Chinese
15th–16th century

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