Neck rests. China, 20th century

Neck rests. China, 20th century.
Wood with traces of red lacquer.
One side of the headrest was broken and carved again.
Published in "La tête dans les étoiles, Appuis-nuque d'Afrique et d'ailleurs", Brussels, Bruneaf / MRAC Tervuren, 2012, p.143.
Measurements: 34 cm.

The neck rest in tender is raised on four legs of circular section. It has the waists carved with floral and spiral motifs.

Of simple line, it is an object of use, since most of the funeral headrests were decorated with gods to protect the possessor in the moments of sleep, as well as inscriptions with names and titles of the deceased, or more elaborated chiselings.
Their arched shape to support the head not only ensures a relatively comfortable position while sleeping, but also allows air to circulate around the head. Still, due to its rigidity, it is believed to be more for votive use.