Headrest With Three Lions (916–1125 CE)

The Headrest with Three Lions is a striking example of Liao dynasty (916–1125) artistry, crafted from glazed earthenware using the sancai (three-color) technique. This ceramic pillow, both functional and symbolic, features a base adorned with three lions—two fierce adults and one playful cub. It served as a cooling sleep aid and a protective object, reflecting the cultural and spiritual values of its time.

Originating in China during the Liao dynasty (916–1125), this headrest was produced by the Khitan people, a nomadic group ruling northern China, Mongolia, and parts of Russia. The Liao dynasty, known for blending Khitan, Han Chinese, and Central Asian influences, was a vibrant hub of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. The sancai technique, characterized by green, yellow, and brown glazes, evolved from Tang dynasty (618–907) ceramics and was refined under the Liao. While the exact manufacturing date is unknown, the headrest’s style places it within the dynasty’s span. Such objects were often placed in elite tombs, suggesting their use in afterlife rituals.

While no specific anecdotes are documented for this particular headrest, the use of ceramic pillows in Chinese culture offers intriguing context. These objects, though hard by modern standards, were valued for their cooling properties during hot summers and for maintaining elaborate hairstyles, particularly among women. The playful cub alongside the fierce adult lions may have amused its owner, symbolizing familial harmony or the balance of strength and innocence. In Liao tombs, such headrests were sometimes found alongside other grave goods, hinting at personal stories of status and spiritual protection now lost to time.

The Headrest with Three Lions embodies the Liao dynasty’s multicultural artistry, merging nomadic, Chinese, and Buddhist influences. Lions, introduced to China via Buddhist iconography from India, symbolized strength, courage, and protection. In Buddhist tradition, lions are associated with the Buddha, often called the “Lion of the Shakya Clan.” The headrest’s lions likely served as guardians, warding off evil spirits during sleep or in the afterlife, particularly in a burial context. The number three may carry symbolic weight, possibly referencing Buddhist numerology (e.g., the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) or representing familial unity through the adult lions and cub. The sancai technique, with its vibrant glazes, reflects the Liao’s aesthetic preference for bold, dynamic designs, distinct from the refined elegance of the contemporary Song dynasty.

The headrest is crafted from earthenware and glazed using the sancai technique. Its dimensions are 13.4 cm (5 1/4 in.) in height, 37.9 cm (14 15/16 in.) in length, and 18.2 cm (7 3/16 in.) in width, making it a compact yet visually commanding object. The base features three sculpted lions: two adult lions with fierce expressions and one playful cub, showcasing skilled craftsmanship in their dynamic poses. The ceramic material provided a cool surface for sleeping, while the glazes ensured durability and aesthetic appeal. The headrest’s design balances functionality with decorative symbolism, characteristic of Liao grave goods.

The Headrest with Three Lions was gifted to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Donna and James Reid. Its earlier provenance is not fully documented, but such objects were typically excavated from Liao dynasty tombs in regions like Inner Mongolia or northern China. The headrest’s journey from its original context to a modern museum collection highlights the global appreciation for Liao artistry.