Antique Pair Chinese Porcelain Opium Pillows Late Qing Dynasty Mirrored Set For Sale

This is a stunning, beautifully preserved matching pair of antique Chinese porcelain rectangular pillows (historically referred to as opium pillows), dating back to the late Qing Dynasty (circa 1880–1910).

Crafted in the famed kiln city of Jingdezhen, these hollow brick-form pillows feature a mirrored hand-painted design in vibrant Famille Rose and Famille Verte enamels. The main face of each pillow showcases a majestic peacock perched atop a classic scholar’s rock beneath a blossoming plum branch—symbols traditionally associated with high status, resilience, and beauty. The tops are adorned with elegant floral sprays, and the scenes are perfectly framed by a delicate scrolling foliate border against a yellow ground.

Ingenious Historical Design:

• The Valuables Window: One end features a large, smooth oval cutout. Historically, sleepers would place their jewelry, money, or pipes inside the hollow chamber and push this open end flush against a wall or bedding to prevent theft while they rested.

• The Wealth Motif: The opposite end is beautifully pierced with openwork geometric designs shaped like traditional Chinese cash coins, a classic symbol of prosperity and good fortune. These openings also functioned to allow airflow, keeping the porcelain comfortably cool to the touch.

Dimensions & Weight (Per Piece)

• Width: ~5.5 inches (14 cm)

• Height: ~4.75 inches (12 cm)

• Depth: ~2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

• Weight: 2 lbs 0.2 oz (approx. 913 grams)

Condition Report

• Excellent Antique Condition: Both pieces are exceptionally well-preserved. There are no cracks, no chips, and no repairs that I can see.

• Authentic Age Wear: The porcelain displays a beautiful, authentic \"orange peel\" glaze texture and minor kiln grits/pitting inherent to late 19th-century private kiln firings. The hand-painted enamels remain bright and crisp with only negligible surface wear consistent with age.