The phenomenon of the ancients using porcelain pillows is often seen in costume dramas, but this is not a common choice of the ancients. In fact, only some people in ancient societies, such as women, favored porcelain pillows as a bedding. So how did the porcelain pillow gradually develop and become popular as a kind of pillow?
Archaeological evidence shows that the pillows used by the ancients in China were mainly made of stone, and later gradually made of bamboo and wood. Although these materials were too hard, the ancients used a layer of fabric to improve sleep quality for comfort. In the era of underdeveloped productivity, limited by the lack of materials and the level of craftsmanship, people can only choose these hard pillows.
Until the Song Dynasty, with the continuous maturity of porcelain firing technology, the porcelain produced by the five famous kilns such as Jingdezhen and Ru kiln became famous. The advent of porcelain has brought new possibilities to pillow-making. The characteristics of the ceramic material make the porcelain pillow both beautiful and practical. It is durable, resistant to deformation, and breathable.
The shapes of porcelain pillows in the Song Dynasty also became rich and diverse, with square, round, and silver ingot-shaped and child-shaped pillows that symbolize wealth or childbirth. The exquisitely conceived geometric patterns and flexible patterns of flowers and birds are embellished on it, making the porcelain pillow not only a practical device, but also an elegant work of art.
These porcelain pillows, which come in different shapes and symbolize the front, quickly gained popularity. In particular, the women who were in charge of the affairs of the family at that time also paid special attention to beauty and positive meaning when purchasing daily necessities. The beautiful shape and meaning of the porcelain pillow meet their yearning for a better life and their expectations for the next generation.
In addition, compared with pillows made of other materials, porcelain pillows also have many advantages in practical use. For example, in summer, using porcelain pillows is cool and comfortable, and you no longer have to worry about sweaty and sticky hair, which is especially important for women who pay attention to posture and appearance; For example, porcelain pillows can improve sleeping posture, promote blood circulation, and help reduce neck and shoulder pain.
In this way, porcelain pillows gradually became popular among the upper class of the Song Dynasty and became a symbol of identity and taste. Although porcelain pillows are more expensive to make, people are willing to pay for their comfort and aesthetics. In the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the production process of porcelain pillows was further matured and widely used in the people. However, due to the limited living conditions of ordinary people, porcelain pillows are still relatively luxurious bedding.
It was not until the late Qing Dynasty, with the development of social economy, that porcelain pillows were truly popularized into the homes of ordinary people. With its comfortable, beautiful and durable characteristics, it has become a kind of pillow that people love and has continued to this day.
The material of the porcelain pillow is strong and durable, and the service life is extremely long, so there is basically no need to worry about damage and replacement. Even if it is used for a long time, the porcelain pillow will not deform or breed bacteria, and it remains clean and hygienic. These advantages are very convenient for busy women, and they also make porcelain pillows an important reason for their new favorite.
We have also noticed that most of the porcelain pillows used by the ancients were placed under the neck, not on the back of the head. This is actually the embodiment of the ancients' attention to physiology, which is conducive to correcting posture and adjusting muscles. Of course, not disturbing the hairstyle is also a consideration for women to choose this pillow method.
It can be seen that as a kind of bedding, the porcelain pillow goes beyond the simple practical value, but also reflects the changes in people's life philosophy and quality of life at that time. It is the result of the development of civilization and an example of cultural exchange between different regions. If we experience it carefully, a porcelain pillow is a mark of the times, recording the bits and pieces of that era.