Kintsugi Porcelain Opium Pillow

Rediscovered History & Beauty: Kintsugi Porcelain Opium Pillow

Discover a fascinating and historically rich art object: a blue and white porcelain opium pillow. This astonishing piece features a delicate decoration of Foo Dogs playing with a ball. These mythical creatures, often called “Chinese guardian lions,” symbolize protection, prosperity, and happiness. Their playful depiction with a ball (sometimes referred to as a “brocade ball” or “flaming pearl”) reinforces these positive meanings, adding a rich symbolic dimension to this item.

A Journey Through Time: The Use of an Opium Pillow

Historically, these pillows were used in Asia to provide firm, cool support for the heads of opium smokers, allowing them to recline comfortably during their sessions. Their porcelain construction also made them easy to clean. Today, far from its original purpose, this object transforms into a singular and versatile decorative piece for your home.

New Life, New Function

This transformed pillow can now serve as a magnificent dried flower holder, offering an original base for your botanical arrangements, or an elegant incense burner, subtly diffusing your favorite fragrances. Its presence is an invitation to contemplation and appreciation of ancient forms and motifs.

The Art of Kintsugi: Magnified Repair

Its previously damaged corners have been meticulously restored using the traditional Kintsugi technique with 22-carat gold. Far from concealing its imperfections, this ancient Japanese method sublimates the fractures by transforming them into fine golden veins, telling a story of resilience and rediscovered beauty. Furthermore, this restoration includes 24-carat matte gold maki-e, a Japanese lacquering technique where gold powder is applied, here used to extend and highlight the continuity of the existing decorations. Each golden line narrates a tale of resilience and renewed beauty.

Measuring 5.1 inches high, 5.5 inches wide, and 2.8 inches deep, this opium pillow is a unique piece that will bring a touch of history, art, and symbolism to your collection or interior decor.